Watching nine people from seven different countries become new U.S. citizens provided the jubilant highpoint of the grand opening ceremonies at the Calumet Visitor Center earlier this week. The new facility at Keweenaw National Historical Park honors the heritage and interprets the social history of copper miners and other community members, most of whom immigrated to Michigan’s remote Upper Peninsula from overseas, whether Cornwall or Croatia, Sweden or Slovakia. Senator Carl Levin performed the honors at the ribbon cutting and reminded visitors that our differences and diversity—and our ability to navigate them peaceably—sets our nation apart, yesterday and today.
