July 4th 2009 dawned bright and warm, with a forecast of the same all day long. A welcome day weather-wise in a spring and early summer filled with many days of rain, downpours & a lot of cool days with some downright cold! The 6th annual Citizenship Ceremony would be graced again with beautiful weather, at our own Saratoga National Historic Park, known not only for its historic significance, but also for its scenic beauty.

The ceremony, which is held on the lawn outside the park's visitor's center, began with some confusion as the program was rearranged to allow State Senator Roy J. McDonald to speak first and as he had to get to the state capital in Albany for a special session. Roy has been with us each year, the 1st five years as assemblyman from the 112th assembly district and this year as the newly elected state senator from the 43rd state senate district. This is one of Roy's favorite events but the citizenship ceremony committee is always pleased when he accepts our invitation. Thanks Roy!

State Senator Roy J. McDonald
Photo courtesy of Rick Saunders, Jr.

Following the address by Senator McDonald, the Ceremony was opened with a cannon salute fired by park staff.

Park Staff Firing Cannon
Photo courtesy of Edwina Malinoski

Boy Scout Troop 6 from Glens Falls, NY presented the colors. This is the 5th year in a row these Boy Scouts have been here to help us. A hearty thank you to the scouts, their leaders and their parents!

Boy Scouts Present Colors
Photo courtesy of Rick Saunders, Jr.

Danielle McMullen our vocalist (also for the 5th year in a row) sang our National Anthem. Danielle has joined the U. S. Navy and this may be her last year with us. Danielle, who has a beautiful voice, has sung the Star Spangled Banner at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD and loves coming here to sing for and with us. Thanks Danielle for your loyalty to this event and we all wish you the very best in your new career.

Danielle McMullen
Photo courtesy of Duane Booth

James Wyrough, Field Office Director, United States Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) Albany, NY administered the Oath of Allegiance to this year's candidates.

Candidates Reciting Oath of Allegiance
Photo courtesy of Duane Booth

Saratoga Battle Chapter, SAR President Richard H. Fullam leads the new citizens and all other American citizens in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chapter President Fullam
Photo courtesy of Edwina Malinoski

Following brief welcoming remarks park superintendant Joseph Finan recognized two special men who dedicated much time to this park and to this event and upon their passing the citizenship committee voted unanimously to dedicate this year's ceremony in their memory.

George H. Ballard the immediate past president of the chapter passed away on March 17, 2009 and Richard "Dick" Beresford, president of the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield (FOSB) and a park ranger here for many years passed away April 29, 2009. The cannon was fired in recognition of George and Dick and certificates were presented in recognition of their work.

Joe Finan presenting Nancy Ballard with certificate
Photo courtesy of Duane Booth

The new citizens, their families and friends and event guests were welcomed by Timothy Holmes, president, FOSB and by Marion Walter, regent, Saratoga Chapter, NSDAR.

Chapter Regent Marion Walter
Photo courtesy of Edwina Malinoski

Naturalization certificates were presented by Larry Kemmener of the USCIS and congratulatory gifts given by committee organizations were presented by Doris Olszewski, FOSB.

Larry presents Certificate & Doris Presents Gifts to a New American Citizen
Photo courtesy of Edwina Malinoski

We jointly sponsor the Bemis Heights & Schuyler N.S.C.A.R. societies. The C.A.R. youth, as usual, were on hand to help us again this year. Lexi Zerrillo, President of the Schuyler Society, C.A.R. led us in the American's Creed and members passed out lemonade for the 13 toasts that were offered by park ranger Joe Craig. Thanks C.A.R.s for being there to help!

C.A.R. Youth Passing Out Lemonade
Photo courtesy of Duane Booth

Park ranger Joe Craig offers 13 lemonade toasts to America's new found freedom.

Ranger Joe Craig salutes America's Freedom
Photo courtesy of Edwina Malinoski

Post-event photo:

(L-r) Jim Ballard, Charles Walter, Rich Fullam, Danielle McMullan
George Malinoski, Duane Booth & Bill Schaefer, Jr.
Photo courtesy of Duane Booth