New Citizenship Ceremonies at Mount Vernon Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday

At Mount Vernon, individuals on the brink of becoming United States citizens gathered in folding chairs on George Washington’s lawn. The event occurred 250 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Attendees used paddle fans adorned with American flags to stay cool in the sun. Many families sought refuge from the heat under nearby trees. One woman demonstrated her patriotism by sporting two American flags in her ponytail.

Anne Neal Petri, the regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, kicked off the ceremony with a cheerful greeting. “Good morning, everybody,” she said. “Good morning!” the crowd replied enthusiastically. “And Happy Birthday, United States of America!” Petri exclaimed.

About 150 individuals from 50 different countries prepared to be sworn in as U.S. citizens on July Fourth, America’s 250th birthday. Among them was U.S. Marine Sgt. Diakaria Sangare from Guinea, wearing his pristine Dress Blue uniform with three medals. He had completed two deployments and navigated the complex citizenship process, comprising tests, interviews, green cards, and biometrics. Others among the group had escaped violent environments or persecution in their homelands.

During the ceremony, after a historical speech about George Washington, attendees stood for the national anthem. They removed their hats and placed their hands over their hearts as the song played. Sgt. Sangare saluted solemnly. Post-anthem, they returned to their seats, waiting to stand when their respective countries were announced one by one—Albania, Bangladesh, China, El Salvador, and others.

As the name “Morocco” was announced, a man in the back enthusiastically raised his fists, inspiring a nearby young boy to mimic the gesture with a small flag.

Lifting their hands, the group recited the Oath of Allegiance. “Congratulations,” they were told, “You just became U.S. citizens.” The atmosphere filled with applause and laughter as they then recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Sangare, hand over heart, took a reflective moment with eyes closed. Nearby, a tulip poplar tree, planted under George Washington’s direction 250 years ago, stood as a silent witness to history.

The historian Douglas Bradburn addressed the new citizens. “Your stories are now part of America,” he said. “I can speak of you and your journeys when asked about American people. Now, all of America’s stories, and history, are yours. The father of your country is George Washington.”

A re-enactor portraying George Washington followed. Standing by a vast American flag, he assured the new citizens, “The name of ‘American’ belongs to you every bit as to me.” He highlighted their difficult paths to this moment, declaring their histories now interwoven with that of the United States. “Welcome home,” he concluded.

Sgt. Sangare later posed for a portrait, holding his American flag paddle fan, his Marine cap slightly askew. “I just became a United States citizen,” he shared, beaming with pride.