Villages resident and London native will be sworn in today as a new U.S. citizen

By THERESA CAMPBELL, DAILY SUN

THE VILLAGES — Today is the day Reg Evans has been eagerly awaiting like a child waits for Christmas morning.

“I’m excited and feeling great anticipation,” said the 70-year-old Village of Briar Meadow resident with a smile and a twinkle in his blue eyes.

The London native is thrilled that he will be sworn in as a new American citizen during ceremonies today at the Orlando Convention Center.

“It’s a feeling of accomplishment,” Evans said. “It’s exciting knowing I finally did it.”

Becoming a U.S. citizen has always been one of Evans’ long-time goals.

“I promised my family I would become a citizen when I retired,” he recalled, noting he felt he would have more time during retirement to study and fill out the extensive forms required in the naturalization process. He began the procedure in April 2007.

And since Kay, his wife of 28 years, is an American, and their two children, John, 24, and Kathleen, 21, are Americans born in Santa Monica, Calif., Evans felt it was only fitting that he became an American, too.

Living in U.S. since 1963

He has been living in the United States since 1963. He called Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Bowie, Md., home before retiring to The Villages in October 2006.

“I’m more American than English,” Evans grinned.

During his personal interview in November as part of the naturalization process, officials noted Evans’ long history in the United States, and observed that he was well educated on American government and policies.

“She only asked me one question,” Evans recalled of his one-on-one interview. “She asked me, ‘What is the senior branch of government?’”

“There isn’t one,” Evans replied correctly. “There are three equal parts: Judicial, legislative and executive.”

“That’s perfect,” said the official.

Preparing to become a citizen was not difficult for Evans.

“I’m a political animal and interested in it,” he said. “There was one time, and this is something I’ve shared with many friends over the years, the one time I really wished I could have voted was during the Goldwater years.”

Evans chuckled, recalling the 1964 presidential race.

“I really liked Goldwater. I thought he epitomized Americans,” he said.

Now the Villager is pleased with the idea of being able to vote in the 2008 general election. He plans to obtain his voter’s registration as soon as possible.

“I really want to be able to vote in November,” he said.

Kay Evans believes her husband will be one of the first voters in line.

“He is very politically motivated and interested,” said Kay, who plans to hug and congratulate her husband once he officially becomes an American.

“We’ve been sort of bugging him, the children and I, for a few years that it was time, so I’m glad he did it,” she said.

“I am proud of him,” added daughter Kathleen.

Even relatives back in London thought Evans should become an American.

“They’ve said, ‘It’s about time,’” Evans recalled with a grin.

He was touched to receive a congratulatory e-mail greetings and cards, and was amazed when his mother-in-law, Arda Montgomery, sent him $50 and told him to celebrate his new citizenship.

He plans to do just that. Tonight, he intends to enjoy a special dinner with his wife and go to see the Great Pretenders at Savannah Center.

Enjoying life

He loves being a Villager and has embraced living The Villages lifestyle to the fullest.

“My first love is the Karaoke Club of The Villages,” said Evans, who also enjoyed singing in pubs in London as a young man.

He is involved in Way, Way, Way Off Broadway Players, which will present “Fourth of July at the Pee Wee Lunch” April 10-13, and is practicing for the “Calico Capers” show through the Make Someone Happy Group that will be performing May 8-9; and he has joined a new theater group, Starlight Players.

Evans was touched when he was asked to sing a solo of the first verse, “God Bless the U.S.A.” during the Calico Capers show, which will be followed by the rest of the cast joining in. Evans is happy that he will be an American when he sings the song.

He also enjoys his coffee-group gathering on Wednesdays with about 20 other men in the neighborhood where they drink coffee, eat doughnuts and shoot the breeze.

“One of the inalienable rights of Americans is the right to complain,” Evans said with a grin. “You really can’t complain unless you have the right to complain.”

“Now, I'll be able to,” Evans quipped. He knows his buddies will say it’s OK.

Yet, he’s not about to complain about becoming an American.

“If you really intend to live in America, you should join the club in every way,” said Evans, smiling once again.

Theresa Campbell is a senior features writer with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9260, or theresa.campbell @thevillagesmedia.com.