Ethan Rinkoff stood at the bench next to Magistrate Judge Chelsey M. Vascura and proudly led a group of new American citizens in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. 

In the crowd of new citizens was the 9-year-old's father, Levi Rinkoff. Also inside the Courtroom was his brother, Leeon Rinkoff, and their mother, Ilona Rinkoff. She was scheduled to become an American citizen herself the very next day.

"It was very exciting and honorable for us," Ilona Rinkoff said about her son leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Young Ethan was invited to sit next to Judge Vascura during the entire ceremony as she welcomed a group of 50 new citizens from more than 30 countries. She noted during the ceremony that the vast majority of Americans are immigrants or descendants of immigrants and compared everyone's contributions to the country as a beautiful color that makes up a great mosaic painting that represents America.  

Ilona Rinkoff, from Russia, met Ethan's father, Levi Rinkoff, from Britain, in Israel and they came to America in 2009 to pursue a job opportunity. She said they have lived in the United States since, and it was time to become a citizen. 

"To feel American, to feel free, to feel included and be included," Ilona Rinkoff said. 

Most naturalization ceremonies in United States District Court take place in federal courtrooms. The ceremony was the last step of a journey that takes years to complete to become an American citizen. The candidates were lawful residents of the United States who passed required background checks, had proven their good moral character, and passed English reading, writing and speaking tests. They also passed a U.S. history and civics exam.