30th Annual Naturalization Ceremony at Seattle Center

Ethnic Heritage Council hosts the 30th Annual Naturalization Ceremony, where over 425 candidates from more than 75 countries will be 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, the event is meaningful and moving - and it is an especially important day for the many new citizens, coming from a variety of nations and cultures. The Naturalization Ceremony also serves to reaffirm the deeper meaning of citizenship of the United States of America. The public is encouraged to attend the free event.

The ceremony includes speeches by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, U.S. Representative Jim McDermott, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, King County Executive Dow Constantine. Seattle City Mayor Ed Murray serves as Master of Ceremonies.

Greenwood Concert Band offers a pre-ceremony performance beginning at 11:00am. The formal program begins at 12 p.m., commencing with the presentation of colors by the I Corps Honor Guard, Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the singing of the United States National Anthem, immediately followed by a performance by Native Americans Gene Tagaban, Peter Ali & Swil Kanim. A musical treasure of the Pacific Northwest, Total Experience Gospel Choir, directed by Patrinell Wright, also performs during the ceremony. All countries represented will be announced and the eldest applicant for citizenship will be introduced. The Children of the World will 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 2014 "Spirit of Liberty Award" to Danish-American Jens Lund.

30th Annual Naturalization Ceremony is proudly sponsored by Seattle Center, United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, King County Office of Dow Constantine, City of Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, PEMCO Insurance, University Lions Club Foundation, Seattle International District Rotary Club, Seattle Post #1-American Legion, and supported by Daughters of the American Revolution-Rainier Chapter, Tulalip Tribes Charitable Fund. Since its inception, the Council has worked to promote inter-ethnic communication and cultural preservation in the Northwest.

Phot Credit: Jal Schrof

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