FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Lance Cpl. John Ramirez knows what it’s like to have a loved one taken away.
Ten years ago, guerrilla fighters in Columbia abducted his uncle, taking him away from Ramirez and his family. It was a trying situation, one that left Ramirez thinking that he would never see his uncle again, he said.
But by the “grace of god” Ramirez’s uncle was returned to him, he said.
His family then came to the U.S. in 2000. Ramirez became a Marine in 2007.
On Sunday on the Fourth of July, at the home of this nation’s first president, he became a U.S. citizen.
“We escaped to the U.S. because my family was scared that they would be abducted next, or killed,” said Ramirez.
It was an honor to be sworn in at George Washington’s Mt. Vernon mansion on July 4th, on the country’s 234th birthday, he said.
He was one of 101 people from 45 countries, including Afghanistan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ecuador just to name a few, who were dubbed the newest citizens of the United States, at Mt. Vernon.
With Washington’s mansion in the background, American flags waived in the breeze as hundreds looked on and cheered while a band played patriotic music.
After each of their names were called, the newly crowned citizens were welcomed by another man who himself emigrated to the U.S. to become a citizen, from Haiti nearly 20-years ago.
“This idea of America is a powerful one. It is a bright light that draws us to it. As immigrants we know that none of us would be here today if it were not for the helping hand of a parent or teacher, or maybe a neighbor from our cities, towns or villages who believed in us and wanted us to succeed. It’s now our turn,” said Patrick Covington, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Appointed by President Obama, his non-profit organization is tasked with finding new ways for residents to give back to their communities through volunteerism.
“This country has been good to me; it has been good to us. So I encourage you to become involved in your communities, to be another block in the building of our perfect union because we are Americans. We earned our way here. It is our responsibility, our moral duty to become engaged citizens,” said Covington.
Many of those who were granted citizenship Sunday have lived and worked in the U.S. for several years.
Tawfik Daoud is from Egypt, works as a computer engineer and started working in 2001 on getting his citizenship. His children will benefit from his accomplishment, he said.
“They owe me big time,” he said jokingly, celebrating with his two young children at his side. “They don’t have to fill out all of the [citizenship] forms and do all of the work. And it’s expensive too; $675 to get all of the forms,” said Daoud.
His 10-year-old son, Mark, was proud of his father. “Thank god for him,” he said.
Dad then gave his son a high five.
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Following Monday evening’s winter storm, school divisions across the region have announced closures for Tuesday, January 7, 2025, due to hazardous road conditions and ongoing winter weather concerns. Below is a roundup of closures and policies for the affected school systems:
Prince William County Public Schools
All schools and offices will be closed Code Red on Tuesday. Inclement Weather Employees are the exception and should follow their assigned schedule.
Stafford County Public Schools
Schools will be closed on Tuesday due to adverse weather and an extended winter storm warning. All activities and events scheduled for the day are canceled. Tuesday was originally a professional learning day, so students were not scheduled to attend.
Manassas City Public Schools
Schools and offices will be closed Tuesday. Code BLUE is in effect for employees.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools
Schools will be closed, and buildings will remain closed as crews work on clearing parking lots and sidewalks. Essential personnel will be contacted by their supervisors for report times.
Manassas Park City Schools Closure for Tuesday, January 7, 2025
All Manassas Park City Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, due to snowy conditions. **Code RED** is in effect for employees.
King George County Schools
Schools will be closed Tuesday. Code 1 is in effect for 12-month employees.
Fairfax County Public Schools
All schools and central offices will be closed on Tuesday.
University of Mary Washington
All UMW campuses, including Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Dahlgren, will be closed all day Tuesday following the January 6 snowstorm.
Stay tuned for updates on reopening plans and further weather developments. Stay safe!
More as we get them.
The Manassas City Council meeting originally scheduled for January 6, 2025, has been postponed to Monday, January 13, 2025. The meeting will feature the swearing-in of elected officials, administered by the Honorable Jacqueline Smith, Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, who won re-election in November 2024, will take the oath of office for her second term. Joining her will be Councilman Tom Osina, beginning his second term; Councilman Mark Wolfe, embarking on his fourth term; and newly elected Councilwoman Ashley Hutson, serving her first term on the council. All four ran as Democrats in the 2024 election.
Manassas Park Resident Jose Rafael Lizama pled guilty Friday, January 3, 2024, to felony Involuntary Manslaughter stemming from a December 2, 2023 crash where Lizama admitted to striking and killing pedestrian Justin Burns, 39, of Blackstone, Va.
Lizama
Lizama appeared with an interpreter, and his lawyer stood before Judge Angela Horan and took responsibility for the 11 p.m. crash in front of Old Towne Sports Pub in Manassas.
During Lizama’s preliminary hearing in May 2024, Prosecutors presented evidence, including a nearby homeowner’s security camera footage that caught Lizama’s van traveling at a high rate of speed, striking Burns as he crossed the street in an unlit area of Center Street.
(FXBG Advance) – Prior to ever publicly addressing questions about the removal of Mary Becelia from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Board of Trustees for alleged misconduct, the Stafford Board of Supervisors presented Becelia with a “Settlement Agreement, Release, and Covenant Not to Sue.”
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
