MANCHESTER -- David Chong made a commitment to the United States long before he officially became a U.S. citizen on Friday.

When he graduates from Gilford High School next month, Chong is headed off to boot camp for the U.S. Marine Corps.

“It's a great feeling. I've been waiting for this one,” Chong said after he and 24 others were sworn in as naturalized citizens. “I always wanted to serve and then I finally picked the Marine Corps because they're an elite force. Best of the best. No offense to the other services.”

This is one enthusiastic young American.

Chong and his mother came from Malaysia in November 2000, when he was just a child. Now 18, Chong held his hand over his heart as he sang the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Soon, Chong, who signed on with the Marines in a delayed-entry program in October, will be saluting the flag.

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“I'm feeling great. It's a wonderful feeling that I'm finally becoming a U.S. citizen after being here for almost 12 years,” he said. “I held back tears — tears of joy. I can call myself an American. Soon my goal is to become a United States Marine. Step by step.”

Chong sat next to Alan Kellosalmi, who wore his white sailor's uniform as he was sworn in. A native of British Columbia, Kellosalmi has served in the U.S. Navy for 14 years. Kellosalmi's wife, Yolanda, is an American and convinced him to pursue his citizenship from the country he's been serving.

“Now I can vote. I couldn't vote before,” said Kellosalmi is stationed at the naval yard in Portsmouth, where he drives tug boats. “I'd like to thank my wife, who kind of convinced me.”

Yolanda chimed right in at the opening.

“It only took me seven years,” she said with a wide smile.

The ceremony took place at the American Legion Henry J. Sweeney Post 2 on Maple Street. Legionnaires presented the colors as friends and relatives watched the candidates become citizens, swearing the oath of allegiance to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States.

“It was very touching. It was very sentimental,” said Anne Silas, a native of Montreal who moved to the United States in 1999. “It was quite an appropriate day in an appropriate venue.”

A physician at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, Silas said simply “it's time.”

“I've been here 13 years. I work here. I live here. I have a life here,” she said.

The new citizens were greeted with a video welcome from President Barrack Obama, followed by a singalong to Lee Greenwood's “God Bless the USA.”

The music continued with “Forever Young” — a singing group of senior women — belting out the patriotic tunes of “America the Beautiful,” George M. Cohan's “You're a Grand Old Flag” and finally “God Bless America.”

Before the singing, conductor and Legionnaire Al Heidenreich turned to the newly-sworn citizens and dropped a quick greeting.

“Welcome to the greatest country in the world. I can stand here, raise my hand and 20 women will do what I tell them,” Heidenreich said, getting a number of chuckles throughout the audience.