The ceremony included speeches by Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire,
Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed, U.S. Representatives Jim McDermott and Dave Reichert with
Seattle City Mayor Gregory J. Nickels as Master of Ceremonies.
Congressman Jim McDermott presented the 2008 “Spirit of Liberty Award” to Ezra Teshome,
of the Ethiopian Community. The 24th 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 Bank of America, Seattle Center, Western Washington Toyota Dealers Association,
University Lions Foundation, Rotary Club of the Seattle-International District, WITT Company,
American Legion Seattle Post #1, National DAR - Rainier Chapter and supported by the City of Seattle
Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, Seattle Foundation and 4Culture.
All Photographs By Jal (Viewmyevent.com)