Video: I Pledge Allegiance . . .

Video: I Pledge Allegiance . . .

The American Dream Comes True for 1,000 Immigrants Sworn in as U.S. Citizens at Walt Disney World Resort, July 4

Gala July 4th Ceremonies Included Performances by Gloria Estefan, Lee Greenwood

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 4 /PRNewswire/ -- To streaking jets and daytime fireworks, more than 1,000 immigrants from dozens of countries realized their dream of becoming United States citizens Wednesday during a gala Fourth of July swearing-in at Walt Disney World Resort.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/disney/28598/

For the first time in its 35-year history, Main Street, U.S.A. at Disney's Magic Kingdom theme park was the backdrop as Disney Parks and Resorts and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) jointly hosted a swearing-in ceremony on the forecourt of Cinderella Castle. The event was open to park guests who led the cheering for the celebrants.

Presided over by Director of USCIS Emilio Gonzalez, dreamers from more than 100 countries raised their right hand and took the Oath of Allegiance to become citizens. The ceremony featured the presentation of the colors, a keynote address by U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., the national anthem performed by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan, the Oath of Allegiance and the Pledge of Allegiance. USCIS also recognized Estefan and her husband Emilio as outstanding "Americans by Choice" for being exemplary naturalized citizens.

"As United States citizens, you have all the freedoms and responsibilities that go along with citizenship," Senator Martinez said in his address. "Welcome to the greatest democracy in the world to which you are now an integral part. This is a country built on the contributions of immigrants like you and me. America welcomes you with open arms."

Besides the keynote address by Sen. Martinez, festivities also included a stirring performance of "God Bless the U.S.A." by singer Lee Greenwood.

To cap a star-spangled morning, U.S. Air Force F-15s streaked across the morning sky as America's newest citizens and their families joined in their own July 4th parade down Main Street, U.S.A.

"What better day than Independence Day to celebrate the naturalization of 1,000 new American citizens," said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. "And what better place than Disney World, where dreams come true every day of the year. We are honored to participate as America bestows its greatest gift -- the gift of citizenship."

"Independence Day is always a special day for us all when we can celebrate the birth of our Nation and the values and principles upon which it was founded," said Director Gonzalez. "But this Fourth of July -- for these men and women in Orlando -- rings even more special as they begin their journey as United States citizens. It truly is a proud moment for me to stand alongside each one and welcome them to our American family."

Video:

http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/disney/28598
Source: Walt Disney World Public Relations

CONTACT: Walt Disney World Public Relations, +1-407-566-6397; or United
States Citizens Immigration Services, +1-305-762-3606

NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional high-resolution, downloadable photos from today's event will be available after midday EST on Walt Disney World's media- only website, wdwnews.com -- user name: disney, password: magic

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