Press Release nr00-100
Press Release · Thursday, July 5, 2001

Washington, DC

WHO: Judge Norma Holloway Johnson of the U.S. District Court will preside as approximately 35 petitioners for United States citizenship take the oath of citizenship in front of the U.S. Constitution.

Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA), District Director of the Immigration and Naturalization Service Warren A. Lewis, and Deputy Archivist of the United States Lewis Bellardo will make remarks.

WHAT: An opportunity to celebrate the 213th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States with a swearing-in ceremony for new citizens in the National Archives Rotunda.

Following the ceremony, the new citizens will be invited to make a free international phone call to a friend or relative, courtesy of AT&T.

THE PRESS IS INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.

This will be the last naturalization ceremony to be held in the National Archives Rotunda, before the Rotunda closes temporarily for renovation on July 5, 2001.

PLEASE NOTE THAT NO ARTIFICIAL LIGHT WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE ROTUNDA.

WHEN AND WHERE: Friday, September 22, 2000. 10 A.M.: Naturalization ceremony in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building.

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.

The ceremony is open to petitioners and their families and members of the public who have obtained free tickets in advance.

Noon - 8 P.M.: The first and signature pages of the Constitution, on permanent display in the Rotunda of the National Archives, will be flanked by a joint services military honor guard. The changing of the guard will take place every 30 minutes. The Rotunda will remain open until 8 P.M. TODAY ONLY.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.

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