The Banzons
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Romar Manlangit Banzon, son of Lt. Col. Roy D. Banzon from 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, receives his U.S. certificate of naturalization from Walker L. Haith, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office director, after reciting t... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Banzons
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Romar Manlangit Banzon, (left) along with other attendees, recites the oath of allegiance during the naturalization ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul South Korea April 6. Romar Manlangit Banzon, son of Lt. Col. Roy Banzon from the 19th Expedition... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP HENRY, South Korea - It has been 29 years since Lt. Col. Roy D. Banzon, a former Philippines citizen, took his oath to become a U.S. citizen.

On April 6, 2012, almost three decades later, a Banzon recited the oath, but this time it was his son, Romar Manlangit Banzon.

Romar Banzon, 17, adopted from the Philippines in August 2006, recited the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance and the oath of citizenship at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.

Becoming a U.S. citizen opened many possibilities for the Banzon family.

"Being a U.S. citizen provides me with better opportunities like going to college in the United States," Romar Banzon said. "As for my family, it allows me to travel with them especially when they go back to the U.S."

The values and virtues of being an American citizen were the key motivating factors for the Banzon parents to have their son obtain his U.S. citizenship.

"I want him to experience the liberties and rights we have as American citizens. I feel happy and proud," said Marlyn Banzon, Romar