On an absolutely gorgeous July 4^th at the Saratoga Battlefield, 19 individuals from 14 different countries became citizens of the United States. The Saratoga Battle Chapter was privileged to again be part of this naturalization ceremony that has become a well-regarded tradition at this historic site.

Park Superintendent Amy Bracewell was the master of ceremonies again this year. She welcomed the new citizen candidates and guests to the event. This was punctuated by a musket salute from the Saratoga NHP Musket Corps followed by the Presentation of Colors by the Twin Rivers Council Boy Scouts. Danielle McMullen then led everyone in singing the Star Spangled Banner.

The Keynote Address this year was provided by Mr. Neil Edmunds. He detailed his path from being a firefighter in Manchester, England, to now being a Managing Director of a financial services firm and becoming a naturalized citizen along the way. He concluded his remarks by reminding the citizens-to-be that America is still a land of opportunity.

Neil Edmunds delivers the Keynote Address

The most important part of the entire day was next as Gwynne Dinolfo of the US Customs and Immigration Services led the 19 immigrants in the Oath of Allegiance thereby making them all new citizens of the United States! An extended and well deserved round of applause followed to welcome these individuals as citizens.

Heather Mabee, Regent of the Saratoga Chapter DAR, then led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. That was followed by an address from NYS Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and a salutation from Saratoga Battle Chapter President Douglas Gallant. A recitation of the American's Creed was led by Schuyler Society C.A.R President Steven Fullam.

NYS Assembly Woman Carrie Woerner

Saratoga Battle President Douglas Gallant

Schuyler Society C.A.R President Steven Fullam

Attention then returned to Gwynne Dinolfo. She presented citizenship certificates to each of the individuals. Each presentation included applause from those assembled. There were also a couple of moments of humor as some picture taking was attempted.

After lemonade was distributed to all attendees, Park Volunteer Joe Craig provided 13 traditional toasts to the Declaration of Independence. A couple of the toasts required a bit of historical context to understand! Each toast was punctuated with "hoo-zay" rather than the more oft used "huzzah" per Joe's direction.

The ceremony was brought to a close with Danielle McMullen singing God Bless America, the Boy Scouts retiring the colors and then the Saratoga NHP Artillery Corps provided a canon salute.

Both before and after the ceremony I was invited to join some of the new citizens in some photos which I was more than happy to do for them. I think being in my Revolutionary War uniform had something to do with it!

A local TV station did a nice story on the event. You can view it on their web site by clicking here.

SAR members and guests present. L to R Steven Fullam, Benjamin Gallant, Ford Oxaal, Danielle McMullen, Douglas Gallant, Tim Mabee, Rich Fullam, David Flint, Doug Reynolds, John McNamara, Nicholas Oxaal, Christopher Oxaal