On July 4, 2006, the Ethnic Heritage Council hosted the 22^nd Annual Naturalization Ceremony at Seattle Center, from noon to 1:00pm. 
Over 500 people, from more than 70 countries, were sworn in by U.S District Court Judge Beezer, as new citizens of the United States of America.  Produced by the Ethnic Heritage Council, Seattle Center, and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and proudly sponsored by Bank of America, this is by far one of the most meaningful and moving Fourth of July events in the region and arouses great interest among friends and families of the new citizens as well as within the general community.  While this is an especially important day for the many new citizens, coming from a variety of nations and cultures, it also serves to reaffirm the deeper meaning of being a citizen of the United States of America. 

 

The ceremony included speeches by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, U.S. Representative Jim McDermott, Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire, Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed, and King County Executive Ron Sims, with Seattle City Mayor Gregory J. Nickels as Master of Ceremonies. 

 Navy Band Northwest performed festive selections. The United States Army Color Guard will presented the colors.  During the ceremony, a Native American Storyteller presented a sacred story and the Total Experience Gospel Choir, with director Pat Wright, performed.  The Children of the World lead the new citizens in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for their first time.

 Each year, the Ethnic Heritage Council honors a naturalized citizen who has made outstanding contribution to his or her adopted country, the U.S.A., while maintaining his or her ethnic heritage.  Congressman Jim McDermott will present the 2006 “Spirit of Liberty Award”. The recipient this year was Alma Plancich.

 22^nd Annual Naturalization Ceremony was produced by the Ethnic Heritage Council, a non-profit organization formed in 1980, Seattle Center and United States Department of Homeland Security, proudly sponsored by Seattle Center, Bank of America, Western Washington Toyota Dealers Association, University Lions Foundation, American Legion Seattle Post #1, Rotary Club of the Seattle-International District, National DAR - Rainier Chapter, World Television, WITT Company and supported by the City of Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, 4Culture, Washington State Arts Commission and National Endowment for the Arts.  Since its inception, the Council has worked to promote inter-ethnic communication and cultural preservation in the Northwest.  The Naturalization Ceremony is part of Seattle Center's Festál, a year-long series of world cultural events that honors the richness and diversity of our region.  Festál is presented by The Seattle Times.
All photographs by Jal (www.viewmyevent.com)