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SALT LAKE CITY — It's been nearly two decades since Bosnian refugees Suada and Zlatko Ceric were resettled in San Jose, California.
But of all the places they have lived since they were forced from Bosnia by war and ethnic cleansing in the 1990s, the couple considers Utah their home, Suada Ceric said.
The Cerics were among 10 people from six countries who became new U.S. citizens Saturday morning during opening ceremonies of World Refugee Day at Liberty Park.
Suada Ceric said taking the oath was an emotional experience for the pair, who have also lived in Croatia, Germany and California before settling in Utah.
"You feel full in your heart, like so much happiness when it happens," she said.
As the couple travels around country to visit their children and other relatives, they always welcome their return to Utah, she said.
"Always when I come back to Salt Lake City, I am excited. I can say definitely this is our city. We love Salt Lake, and we feel like we are home," she said.
Ner Moo, who was born in Myanmar but was resettled in a 10,000-person refugee camp in Thailand when he was 3 years old, said he felt immense pride as he took the oath of allegiance.
"Finally, I'm a U.S. citizen. I'm just happy," said Moo, 24.
Moo came to the United States seven years ago and is studying to become an automotive technician at the Clearfield Job Corps Center.
Becoming a U.S. citizen should open more doors and enable him to travel freely, Moo said. "I'm proud to be here, to be able to stay here, do what I want and to be able to go back to Thailand and not be afraid of the police."
World Refugee Day festivities ran throughout the day Saturday, featuring the food, culture and arts of more than 20 ethnic communities in Utah.
Some 50,000 refugees have been resettled in Utah since the end of the Vietnam War.
World Refugee Day, as established by the United Nations General Assembly, is observed throughout the world to celebrate the strength and resilience of refugee communities and to raise awareness about their condition.
While a soccer tournament has long been a tradition at Utah's observance of World Refugee Day, organizers for the first time offered a young women's volleyball tournament, with the championship game played on Saturday.
Asha Parekh, director of the state's Refugee Services Office, said World Refugee Day is a celebration and well as an opportunity for Utahns "to learn more about refugees, their culture and who they are."
After spending the past year and a half working closely with refugees, watching 10 people become new U.S. citizens was moving, she said.
"Seeing them so excited and being embraced by America, it's what's good about the United States," Parekh said.
"They didn't take this for granted. They are grateful to be here, to be part of a safe place and in a place that has opportunity for their children," she said.
Or as Suada Ceric put it, "If you're looking to make your dream come true, you should come to this country."
