Date: September 11, 2007
Contact: Mike Kusch, 315-336-3126
Rome, NY: Fort Stanwix National Monument will host the annual September Naturalization Ceremony on Thursday, September 13, 2007 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 fort has hosted this ceremony each September since 1998. During the ceremony people will be sword in as new United States citizens. This year 107 people will be sworn in at the fort. These people have immigrated to the United States from all over the world and are proud to become its citizens.
“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.”
The Naturalization Ceremony will be officiated by U.S. District Judge David N. Hurd. During the ceremony Diane Martin-Grande of the New Corporation Council in Rome will give the keynote speech, and there will be musical performances by the Beaver River Chorus and Park Ranger Bill Sawyer. A reception sponsored by the League of Women Voters will be held after the ceremony and the Daughters of the American Revolution will welcome each new citizen with gifts. The staff and volunteers of Fort Stanwix and the Oneida Indian Nation will serve as witnesses and provide visitor services during the event.
The rain location will be the Oneida County Court House at the corner of James and Court Streets.
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. Visitors are encouraged to start their experience at the Marinus Willett Center at the intersection of West Dominick and James Streets. A park ranger can assist you in planning your visit. For more information about upcoming events call the park at (315) 338-7730. Please visit the park's web page at www.nps.gov/fost for additional information.
-NPS-
