"I did it to honor our country's warriors and to give the new citizens a sense for what makes this country great," Ellis said. The judge, known for his thorough legal opinions and an occasionally irascible demeanor, said he "didn't want any politicians" attending the ceremony. After the immigrants took their oath, Ellis greeted each one personally, choking up as he hugged a new citizen wearing a U.S. Navy uniform.


He then told a woman from Iraq that he was "honored that you chose to be an American."

"This is truly a wonderful day," said Ellis, his voice cracking, as he gave an emotional tribute to the virtues of citizenship, U.S. history and the warriors buried around him. "It is a wonderful day for each of you, because today you will join the land of the free and the home of the brave."