New Citizens Naturalized At Morristown National Historic Park

MORRISTOWN, NJ — 23 people from 13 different countries became American citizens on Wednesday at a naturalization ceremony held at Morristown National Historic Park.

The new citizens came from countries around the world: Canada, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Lebanon, Paraguay, Syria, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Now, they are all Americans.

Keith A. I. Bodden, a naturalized citizen himself and a civil, environmental, and family heritage activist, delivered the keynote speech. The Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution also participated, with Pat Sanftner singing "America the Beautiful."

Over 7.4 million people have become naturalized citizens in the past decade. Those seeking to be naturalized must be at least 18, have been living here lawfully for at least five years, and have an understanding of the English language.

Morristown National Historical Park preserves sites of key Revolutionary War encampments, including the headquarters of George Washington.

The National Parks System holds naturalization ceremonies at parks across the country, including at the Lincoln Memorial and Ellis Island. This was the ninth annual ceremony held at the Morristown park.

All images via National Parks Service, used with permission.