On Saturday, 150 individuals from 50 different countries became U.S. citizens on the grounds of George Washington's Mount Vernon estate, marking the nation's 250th birthday. The ceremony, held on the July Fourth holiday, saw new citizens gather on the lawn, with families finding shade under nearby trees.
Among those sworn in was U.S. Marine Sgt. Diakaria Sangare from Guinea, who attended in his Dress Blue uniform. Sangare has completed two deployments and, like all participants, had navigated the rigorous citizenship process, including tests, interviews, green cards, and biometrics. The notes indicated that others in the crowd had fled persecution or countries experiencing violence.
Following a speech about George Washington, the attendees rose for the national anthem. As the song played, Sangare stood at attention with his hand over his heart. The ceremony continued with the call of countries, prompting individuals to stand as their homeland was announced, including Albania, Bangladesh, China, El Salvador, Iraq, and Mongolia.
Following the roll call, the new citizens recited an Oath of Allegiance, an oath similar to one signed by Washington in 1778. After the oath, they were officially welcomed as U.S. citizens, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Historian Douglas Bradburn spoke about the significance of the moment, highlighting a tulip poplar tree planted 250 years ago by Washington as a symbol of enduring history. He told the new citizens, "All the stories that are part of you, now become American stories... and, now, all America’s stories, and our history, are your stories."
An actor portraying George Washington addressed the assembly, welcoming them and acknowledging their journeys. "Today the name of ‘American’ belongs to you every bit as much as it does to me," the re-enactor said. "So, my fellow Americans, to you, I say simply: ‘Welcome home.’"
After the ceremony, Sangare expressed his emotion, stating, "I just became a United States citizen."