The Chapter in joint sponsorship with the Saratoga Chapter, DAR, the Saratoga National Historical Park, the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration and the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield held what Park officials believe to be the first ever Citizenship Ceremony at the historic site.

The event, which was a year in planning, was well received by all those present and much appreciated by the new citizens and their families. The event was well covered by the media, including local TV Stations and newspapers. The committee included Chapter President Duane Booth and Past Chapter President Rick Saunders; Shirley Schadow, Regent, Saratoga Chapter, DAR; Gina Johnson, Program Director, Saratoga National Historical Park; Duane Kennison, Assistant Officer in Charge, Albany Office U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service and Marie Burch, Member Chair, Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.

Before the Ceremony there was time for fellowship and a meeting old friends and making new friends.

About 220 people gathered under bright sunny skies on America’s 228th Birthday to watch 20 candidates take the Oath Of Allegiance to the United States of America. The program began with a contingent from the G. B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard presenting the colors. The Color Guard took time away from a busy holiday schedule to be with us on this glorious day.

The Sons and Daughters Fife and Drums play a musical selection and the colors were then retired.

Assemblyman Roy J. McDonald from the 112^th assembly district graciously agreed to be the keynote speaker for the event. In his address Assemblyman McDonald noted the significance of the Ceremony being held at such an historic site on America’s Birthday. He read through the countries from where the candidates came and noted while they came from afar they were now a part of the American Family with all the rights and privileges that we enjoy. At the end of his address Assemblyman McDonald light heartedly noted that these new citizens were also new voters.

Assistant Officer in Charge at the Albany Office of the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services which is now a part of the Department of Homeland Security administers the Oath of Allegiance to candidates.  Once the candidates have completed the recitation of the Oath and received and signed their naturalization certificate they are citizens of the USA.

Shirley Schadow, Regent of the Saratoga Chapter, DAR explains how the words "…one Nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance should be read and leads us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Friends of Saratoga Battlefield, a volunteer support group of the Saratoga National Historical Park makes many things happen at the SNHP.  They provided financial support for the event and handouts to the new citizens.

Vanessa Sterling, a high School student from Saratoga sang the Star Spangled Banner.  The SNHP Musket Team then fired a  salute.  SNHP Ranger Joe Craig, dressed in period costume, read the Declaration of Independence.  The ceremony ended with a final musket salute.