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The National Archives Celebrates Bill of Rights Day with Naturalization Ceremony
Press Release · Wednesday, December 3, 2003

Washington, DC

Press Release
December 3, 2003

MEDIA CONTACT:
National Archives Public Affairs Staff
(301) 837-1700


The National Archives Celebrates Bill of Rights Day with Naturalization Ceremony

Washington, DC. . . On Friday, December 12, at 10 a.m., the National Archives continues its popular tradition of holding a naturalization ceremony for petitioners seeking United States citizenship. This year's ceremony, which is part of the National Archives' celebration of the 212th anniversary of the adoption of the Bill of Rights, will be held for the first time in the newly renovated Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom in the National Archives Building. Guests are asked to use the National Archives' Pennsylvania Avenue entrance, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. The ceremony is co-sponsored by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

This moving ceremony is open to petitioners' families and guests as well as to a limited number of members of the public holding tickets. Tickets are free but must be reserved by calling 301-837-0789. Please note that, because of the ceremony, the Rotunda will open to the public at noon and remain open until 5:30 p.m. Winter hours of 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. resume on Saturday, December 13.

Chief Judge Thomas F. Hogan of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia will preside as 35 petitioners for United States citizenship take the oath of citizenship in front of the Charters of Freedom (The Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights). Chief Judge Hogan, Michael Petrucelli, Deputy Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and John W. Carlin, the Archivist of the United States, will make remarks.

A reception will be held following the ceremony for the new citizens, their families and friends. The new citizens will be given a free telephone card, courtesy of AT&T, to call a friend or relative anywhere in the world.

THE PRESS IS INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY. The press should use the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, and set up by 9:45 A.M., as the ceremony begins promptly at 10 A.M.

NOTE: THE USE OF FLASH AND ADDITIONAL LIGHTS IS PROHIBITED IN THE ROTUNDA.

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