New citizens take oath at Monticello as country marks 250 years of independence

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Seventy-four people were sworn in as U.S. citizens Saturday morning, July 4, at Monticello’s 64th annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony, raising their hands in oath and placing them over their hearts in pledge before thousands of onlookers at Thomas Jefferson’s estate.

“You have seen something in this country so powerful that you have chosen to make our country your home,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger in her address as keynote speaker at the ceremony.

For Spanberger, the ceremony was a day full of inspiration as people from 36 countries across the world came together on America’s birthday to celebrate their journeys to citizenship…

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