America welcomed 100 new citizens this Independence Day at the Mount Vernon Estate. The citizens took the Oath of Allegiance as a huge crowd of family, friends and fellow citizens looked on.

The ceremony at Mount Vernon is a part of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' annual celebration of Independence Day. The 100 citizens naturalized at the estate originate from 41 different countries; from Afghanistan to Vietnam.  

Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron, opened the ceremony by singing the Star Spangled Banner. Mark Zuckerman, Deputy Assistant to the President was one of many speakers at the event.

“The story of America started in places like Mount Vernon seven or eight generations ago,” Zuckerman said.

One of America’s newest citizens, Chris Dawson, is originally from England, but has been working toward American citizenship for a long time. He says the process informally started twelve years ago when he got a work visa. He married an American citizen and his son was born here, so his official citizenship means a lot to him.

“It’s great to finally be a part of this country,” Dawson said.  “You’re not just visiting anymore.”

Dawson also appreciated the backdrop for the July 4^th ceremony.  He was honored the ceremony took place, “where it really means something, not just in the back of an auditorium.”

The ceremony was poignant, with ten candidates recognized for their service to the American military in advance of receiving citizenship.  There was a moving mixture of tears and cheering when each new citizen had spoken the Oath of Allegiance.

“It’s a big privilege,” said Ruth Salamanca, whose country of origin is El Salvador. “It’s like a dream that’s coming true.”

“General George Washington” also made an appearance at the ceremony. He spoke passionately about the benefits and responsibility that come along with citizenship.

Following the ceremony, the National Concert Band of America put on a patriotic performance.

From June 27^th through July 4^th, more than 24,000 candidates became U.S. citizens.