This year marked Monticello’s 50th annual Independence Day
Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony. The site, Thomas
Jefferson’s home in Charlottesville, Va., welcomed 84 citizens
from 44 countries who were naturalized on the steps of the
great house. The auspicious ceremony began with a speech
by Olympic champion Nadia Comaneci. The event at Monticello
is the oldest continuous naturalization ceremony in the U.S. held
outside a courtroom.
Clockwise left: A family member snaps a photo during the ceremony; a citizen family member holds American flags; and newly minted U.S. citizens on the steps of Monticello.
