On Thursday, July 4, 2013, the Ethnic Heritage Council hosted the 29th Annual Naturalization Ceremony at Seattle Center. Over 500 candidates, from more than 80 countries, were sworn in by The Honorable Richard C. Tallman, U.S. Circuit Court Judge, as new citizens of the United States of America. Produced by the Ethnic Heritage Council, Seattle Center, United States District Court for the Western District of Washington and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, this is by far one of the most meaningful and moving Fourth of July events in the region. While this is an especially important day for the many new citizens, coming from a variety of nations and cultures, it arouses great interest among friends and families as well as from the community at large. The Naturalization Ceremony also serves to reaffirm the deeper meaning of citizenship of the United States of America.

The ceremony included speeches by U.S. Representative Jim McDermott, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, King County Executive Dow Constantine, with Seattle City Mayor Mike McGinn as Master of Ceremonies.
The formal program lasted one hour, beginning with a performance by Native American performers Gene Tagaban, Swil Kanim & Peter Ali.
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 2013 "Spirit of Liberty Award" to
Jagdish Sharma, of the East Indian Community.

29th Annual Naturalization Ceremony is produced by the Ethnic Heritage Council, a non-profit organization formed in 1980, Seattle Center, United States District Court for the Western District of Washington and United States Department of Homeland Security. Proudly sponsored by United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, Seattle Center, City of Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, Gretchen Newman, University Lions Club Foundation, Seattle Post #1-American Legion, and supported by The Seattle Foundation. Since its inception, the Council has worked to promote inter-ethnic communication and cultural preservation in the Northwest.