Seattle Center Foundation would like to invite you to join in the Annual Fourth of July Naturalization Ceremony, 11am to 1:15pm, on Monday, July 4. Come and observe as The Honorable Richard C. Tallman, U.S. Circuit Court Judge, swears in over 500 candidates from more than 80 countries as new citizens of the United States of America. Organizers encourage the public to join them on the July 4th holiday in reaffirming the meaning of United States citizenship. It is a monumental day for the new citizens, who come from diverse cultures across the globe to make the United States their new home.
The Naturalization Ceremony, held annually at Seattle Center for the past 32 years, is one of the most meaningful Fourth of July events in the region, produced by Seattle Center Foundation, Seattle Center, United States District Court for the Western District of Washington and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. City of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray serves as Master of Ceremonies for the 2016 Naturalization Ceremony. Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams welcomes attendees, followed by an address by Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman, a Personal Address by U.S. Representative Jim McDermott and a Congratulatory Address by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell.
Navy Band Northwest offers a pre-ceremony performance beginning at 11 a.m. The formal program begins at 12 p.m., commencing with the presentation of colors and the singing of the United States National Anthem, followed immediately by a welcoming presentation by Native American performers, elder Frank C. Goes Behind and musicians Peter Ali and Swil Kanim. A musical treasure of the Pacific Northwest, Total Experience Gospel Choir, directed by Patrinell Wright, also performs during the ceremony. Mayor Murray will announce all represented countries and introduce the eldest applicant for citizenship. The Children of our Nations, representing several of the represented cultures, will lead the new citizens in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for their first time.
For more information on the Fourth of July Naturalization Ceremony, visit www.seattlecenter.com/naturalization or call 206-684-7200.
