Fort Stanwix to Host Annual Naturalization Ceremony

Date: September 16, 2008
Contact: Fort Stanwix: Mike Kusch, [phone]
Contact: Judge Hurd’s Office: Charlene Rouillier, [phone]

Fort Stanwix National Monument will host the annual September Naturalization Ceremony on Thursday, September 18, 2008 for the United States District Court, Northern New York District. The ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. and will take place on the parade ground inside the fort. The Naturalization Ceremony will be officiated by U.S. District Judge David N. Hurd, with a rain location at the Oneida County Court House at the corner of James and Court Streets. People who have immigrated to the United States from all over the world will be sworn in as its newest citizens. The fort has hosted this ceremony each September since 1998, and in past ceremonies up to 100 people have become citizens.

The staff and volunteers of Fort Stanwix and the Oneida Indian Nation will serve as witnesses and provide visitor services during the event. “This is a special day for these new citizens and Fort Stanwix National Monument,” said Mike Kusch, Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management. “They have spent many years learning about our nation and will be given the rights and privileges that all United States citizens enjoy. We at Fort Stanwix are honored to host this event each year and look forward to congratulating these new citizens on their accomplishment. This event reminds and reinforces to us what it means to be a citizen of the United States and the sacrifices made to keep us free.”

Fort Stanwix National Monument is open seven days a week 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Days. Admission to the Marinus Willett Center and Fort are free. For more information about upcoming events call the park at [phone] or visit the park webpage www.nps.gov/fost.

                               
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