President Obama Welcomes 25 New American Citizens on the Fourth of July

President Barack Obama listens as Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Department of Homeland Security administers the Oath of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony in the East Room of the White House, July 4, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

This morning, President Obama welcomed 25 new American citizens at a special naturalization ceremony held at the White House. The President celebrated as service members and their families were able for the first time to be called "our fellow Americans" on this Fourth of July, just as they are in ceremonies happening today around the country. The President paid tribute to all those who served and fought for the United States in the Armed Forces, and to the great sacrifice of their spouses and families.

In the President's words:

Today, on this Fourth of July, all across the country –- from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello to the Alamodome in Texas -- immigrants from around the world are taking the oath of citizenship.  And many of them have worked and sacrificed for years to get to this moment.  All of them have done it for something none of us should ever take for granted:  the right to be called an American, from this moment, and forever after.

Learn more about the Fourth of July at the White House.