On July 4, 2004, the Ethnic Heritage Council hosted the 20th 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, 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.
The ceremony included speeches by United States Senator Maria Cantwell, Washington State Governor Gary Locke, Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed, U.S. Representative Jim McDermott and King County Executive Ron Sims, with Seattle City Mayor Gregory J. Nickels as Master of Ceremonies
The formal program began at 12:00 noon, and will last one hour. Navy Band Northwest performed festive selections. The United States Army Color Guard presented the colors. During the ceremony, Native Alaskan Tlingit Tribe Family Members presented a native ceremonial song and the Total Experience Gospel Choir, with director Pat Wright performed also.
Congressman Jim McDermott presented the 2004 “Spirit of Liberty Award” to Washington State Senator Paull Shin
20^th Annual Naturalization Ceremony is produced by the Ethnic Heritage Council, a non-profit organization formed in 1980, Seattle Center and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services,
sponsored by Seattle Center, Mayor's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, Northwest Ford Stores, University Lions Club Foundation, U.S. Bancorp Foundation, World Television, American Legion, Port of Seattle, Rotary of Seattle-International District, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Rainier Chapter, 4Culture, Washington State Arts Commission, Festal and 
The Seattle Times. 
Since its inception, the Council has worked to promote inter-ethnic communication and cultural preservation in the Northwest.
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