President Barrack Obama, also the U.S. Commander in chief, in a 4th of July celebration hosted a naturalization swearing-in ceremony for 25 foreigners serving in the U.S. military. This is the third such event hosted by the president since 2008.
The ceremony took place in the East Wing of the White House, where the 25 men and women recited their oath of alliance in front of the president, administered by Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.
In a speech to the newly naturalized citizens President Obama said, "It is an honor for me to serve as your commander-in-chief. Today, you raised your hand and have taken an oath of citizenship. And I could not be prouder to be among the first to greet you as my fellow Americans... Happy Fourth of July! What a perfect way to celebrate America's birthday - the world's oldest democracy, with some of our newest citizens," as reported by the New York Times.
According to reports from the Pentagon, the U.S. government has been trying to grant citizenship to the men and women that serve in the nation's military. Statistics released by the Pentagon show that over 8,000 immigrants enroll in the U.S. military service. All service members have entered the country legally.
After the ceremony, President Obama will take a quick break to spend some family time to celebrate daughter Malia's 14th birthday, before he heads to the White House 4th of July celebrations on the Great Lawn.
4th of July marks America's independence day from the British colonists in 1776. Today America celebrates it's 236th birthday with people engaging in BBQ and firework festivities.
