Forty-nine Massachusetts residents – including Methuen’s Edna DeDeo – began their new journey as official United States citizens after swearing an Oath of Allegiance during an Oct. 30 ceremony at Nevins Library.

DeDeo beamed with pride, as her husband Jeff and best friend Torrey Koury congratulated her with hugs and red roses.

It’s been a long road for DeDeo, a Brazilian native who has lived in the U.S. for 25-plus years. She balanced work, life, and extensive studying and testing to get to this point.

When asked why it was important for her to become a U.S. citizen, she said, “This is the BEST country! It’s a FREE country!”

This was the first time in many years that Nevins Library hosted a Naturalization Ceremony with the United States Citizen and Immigration Services. Assistant Library Director Sarah Sullivan explained that the library applied to be a host site and the staff was thrilled to be approved.

The 49 new citizens hailed from dozens of different countries, including China. Guatemala, India, Ukraine and Vietnam.

“All of us, with the exception of Native Americans, are either immigrants or descendants of immigrants … and this is such an important part of our fabric,” said Robert B. Collings, magistrate judge with the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. “The United States assimilates more immigrants than any country in the world, and that’s what makes this country great. … Immigrants ensure the future of our country.”

He reminded the new citizens of their responsibilities:

*Vote. “I’m not sure we realize how fragile democracy is. … It’s counterintuitive that this democracy could somehow fail, but it could,” he said, citing Germany and Cuba as two countries that had democratic constitutions that disintegrated. “So one of the ways to preserve democracy is to vote.”

*Serve in the military. “It’s the duty of our citizens to serve, should we come under attack,” he said.

*Jury duty. “It’s a fundamental right (of the accused) and it’s a protection,” he said. “No one can be found guilty of a serious crime in this country unless a jury of 12 citizens … makes that decision.”

Acting Mayor DJ Beauregard said, “Each of you came here from a different land, seeking freedom, opportunity, safety and the chance to make a good life for yourselves and your families in the United States. Not unlike our ancestors, including my own great-grandparents who came here generations ago with the same hopes and dreams. Whether your journey was easy or difficult, whether your goal was to merely stop and catch your breath or to set down roots, here you are today about to join the ranks of Americans and have the same opportunity … to prosper in our great nation.

“It won’t always be easy. The road won’t always be straight. And those you encounter will not always be helpful. Overcoming challenges will no doubt be part of your experience. However … the sky will be limit to what you can achieve!

“We wish great things FOR you and expect big things FROM you,” Beauregard concluded. “On behalf of the City of Methuen’s 53,000 residents, I’m proud to welcome you – our country’s newest citizens – to these United States of America.”