The third annual "I Am an American" Day observance, sponsored by the Tacoma Americanization Council, was held in May of 1941 at Jason Lee Middle School. Invitations were sent by the Americanization Council to over 600 newly naturalized and first generation American citizens. There were about 35 different nationalities represented at the impressive and patriotic ceremonies. Governor Arthur B. Langlie, Tacoma Mayor Harry P. Cain and Superior Court Judge Ernest B. Card delivered addresses of welcome. Many other dignitaries were in attendance including Federal Judge Lloyd L. Black, jurist whose court in Tacoma saw nearly 600 persons attain American citizenship during the past year and who received a silent standing tribute by the assembled new citizens before his brief speech. (T.Times 5-8-41, p. 8-article; T.Times, 5-16-41, p. 3-article)

Tacoma Americanization Council (Tacoma); Jason Lee Junior High School (Tacoma); Immigrants; Naturalization; Citizenship;