TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Forty-four people became American citizens in a naturalization ceremony downtown Friday morning.

Individuals from places like China, Germany, the Philippines, Ghana, Canada and Mexico, rose their right hands and said the Oath of Allegiance in front of friends and family, to become U-S Citizens.

The Ceremony’s speaker, Dr. Shekhar Challa, President of the Kansas Medical Clinic, was in the same seat as those he spoke to, becoming an American citizen just 21 years ago.

Friday he told them that citizenship is a responsibility, and to never be purple cows. Challa said it’s important to never blend in to those around them.

“Be remarkable, whatever you do, be remarkable, be a purple cow,” he said.

Challa also joked with the new citizens to share their culture and heritage with others, especially the food and recipes.

Later in the ceremony, the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution presented the new citizens with flags and other gifts to remember the day by.