Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger delivers remarks at the July 4 U.S. naturalization Ceremony at Mount Vernon Estate.
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger celebrated Independence Day by welcoming 100 new citizens on the grounds of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate with remarks that praised the immigrant spirit and recounted his own journey along the path to U.S. citizenship.
“When I came to this country 57 years ago, not in my wildest dreams — and I had wild dreams — did I think that one day this immigrant would be asked to place a wreath at the tomb of George Washington and to give the keynote address at this very important ceremony,” said Schwarzenegger, an Austrian who became a U.S. citizen in 1983. “To the 100 people who have just become American citizens, I say thank you for sharing this day and your journey with me.”
Schwarzenegger’s remarks were the centerpiece of the annual naturalization ceremony held on the grounds of Mount Vernon. Prior to the ceremony, Schwarzenegger placed a custom designed wreath at Washington’s tomb, praising the Founding Father as “America’s first action hero.”
“Whatever motivated you to make your way here, to want to be a citizen of the United States, let me explain what it tells me about you,” Schwarzenegger said. “I know something about action heroes. You don’t need the special effects of Hollywood to be an action hero. Immigrants are action heroes. It took action to get here. It took struggle to get here. And today your feet are firmly planted in America.”
The naturalization ceremony, welcoming new citizens from 95 different countries, was part of a full array of historical events and activities at Mount Vernon in celebration of America’s 249th birthday.
"As we welcome guests to Mount Vernon for An American Celebration and fireworks, it’s important to remember that July 4th is more than a date in history,” said Doug Bradburn, President and CEO of Mount Vernon. “Independence Day is the embodiment of the ideals that George Washington fought to secure. As Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and the first President of the United States, Washington helped turn the dream of independence into a lasting democracy. His courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to liberty continue to inspire our nation every Independence Day."
Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States. The estate includes the Mansion, a museum and education center, gardens, tombs, a working farm, a functioning distillery, and a gristmill. It also includes the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon.
Telling the crowd that “I owe everything to this country,” Schwarzenegger encouraged the new citizens to not only pursue their dreams but to also give back in their new communities.
“The day I raised my right hand and became an American citizen was, without a doubt, one of the greatest days of my life,” Schwarzenegger said. “To be here 43 years later, standing at the home of one of my heroes to welcome more new citizens, is giving me a great gift – a gift to be part of this very meaningful ceremony. But I also ask you to think about what you would do for America as you receive America’s many blessings. I hope that you accept the responsibility to give something back, to give of yourself to something beyond yourself.”
Schwarzenegger praised the newest citizens and encouraged them to hold on to and share their culture and even their accents.
“The accent is nothing to be ashamed of,” Schwarzenegger said in his trademark thick German accent. “It is a memory of your past, it is telling a story.”
He repeatedly expressed his gratitude for the “limitless opportunities” America afforded to him but also stressed the importance of holding on to each individual culture.
“America needs your story. America needs your strong immigrant spirit,” Schwarzenegger said. “You are the people that America needs right now, with your accent, with your memories of your homeland and with your dreams. You don’t just deserve to be an American, you are needed here.”