Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to deliver remarks to new citizens at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. The actor and former California governor will speak during a naturalization ceremony on July 4. More than 100 people are scheduled to be sworn in as U.S. citizens during the event.
Born in Austria, Schwarzenegger became a U.S. citizen in 1983. “The day I raised my right hand and became an American citizen was, without a doubt, one of the greatest days of my life,” he said in a statement. “If you told me on that day that 43 years later I would be standing at Mount Vernon, the home of one of my heroes and a historic symbol of freedom and democracy, to welcome more new citizens, I would have been shocked. But that’s the beauty of the United States of America: nothing is impossible.”
Schwarzenegger’s remarks will be part of other historical and family-friendly activities scheduled at Mount Vernon to celebrate the holiday. Other planned programming includes:
- Daytime fireworks
- A reading of the Declaration of Independence
- Military drills
- A performance by the National Concert Band
Guests can also visit the Patriots Path military encampment, watch the 18th-century baking process, and attend a wreath laying at Washington’s tomb.
Mount Vernon will also have Independence Day evening fireworks on June 27, June 28, and July 4, along with 18th-century music, activities, and entertainment.
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Feature image courtesy Image Press Agency/Alamy Stock Photo
