Naturalization Ceremony - A Meaningful Way to Celebrate Independence Day

We are so excited to be hosting the Citizenship Naturalization Ceremony of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 4, 2011. Fifty-eight immigrants will become United States citizens on this day, the 235th anniversary of our nation’s independence. Requirements that these people have fulfilled to get to this last step in the process include having been a legal resident of the United States for at least 5 years, passing a background check, and taking a test on how our government works.

Sauder Village is the perfect setting for this ceremony, because every day we tell the stories of the early settlers who came from Europe and settled here. Although times have changed, and we think today’s immigrants have it easy compared to those who came earlier, we know that they have faced obstacles and have had to make tough decisions just like our early settlers did. At some point those pioneers had to decide to leave a way of life they knew, to come to a country which they were unfamiliar with, and to learn a new way of life. Like them, these new citizens had to leave their extended families and friends and “start over”. They bring with them rich ingredients from their many cultures, which enrich our culture and make our country what it is today. The immigrant story is repeated with these 58 people from 34 different countries continuing to come and settle here.

The ceremony is one that every American should witness at some point in their lives. It is the best way to celebrate our Independence and to appreciate the wonderful country that is ours. It truly is an experience you’ll never forget.

For more information about the 4th of July Holiday Weekend at Sauder Village visit our website!

By Kris Jemmott, Director of Historic Village Operations