Start the July 4th holiday off in a meaningful and entertaining way — at the 31st Annual Naturalization Ceremony at Seattle Center, 11am to 1:15pm, when the Honorable Richard C. Tallman, U.S. Circuit Court Judge, will swear in over 400 candidates from more than 75 countries as new citizens of the United States of America.
Produced by Ethnic Heritage Council, Seattle Center Foundation, Seattle Center, United States District Court for the Western District of Washington and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, this is one of the most meaningful and moving Fourth of July events in the region. While it is an especially important day for the many new citizens coming from a variety of nations and cultures, the occasion arouses great interest among friends and families as well as from the community at-large. The Naturalization Ceremony also serves to reaffirm the deeper meaning of citizenship of the United States of America, and event organizers encourage the public to attend the free event.
The 2015 ceremony includes speeches by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, U.S. Representative Jim McDermott, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, Secretary of State Kim Wyman, and Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams. Seattle City Mayor Ed Murray is Master of Ceremonies for the 2015 Naturalization Ceremony.
Greenwood Concert Band will give 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, immediately followed by a performance by Native American performers Gene Tagaban, Peter Ali & Swil Kanim. A musical treasure of our pacific northwest, Total Experience Gospel Choir, directed by Patrinell Wright, will also perform during the ceremony. All countries represented will be announced and the eldest applicant for citizenship will be introduced. The Children of the World will lead the new citizens in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for their first time.
A naturalized citizen who has made outstanding contributions to his or her adopted country, the United States of America, while maintaining his or her ethnic heritage, will be honored. Congressman Jim McDermott will present the 2015 Spirit of Liberty Award to Ali Ghambari of the Iranian-American community.
For more information on the 31st Annual Naturalization Ceremony, please visit Seattle Center Foundation or call 206 684-7200.
