Media Alert: National Archives Celebrates Constitution Day
Press Release · Monday, September 13, 1999

Washington, DC

WHO:

Judge Norma Holloway Johnson of the U.S. District Court will preside as approximately 35 petitioners for United States citizenship take the oath of citizenship in front of the U.S. Constitution.

District Director of the Immigration and Naturalization Service Warren Lewis, and Archivist of the United States John Carlin will make remarks.

WHAT:

An opportunity to celebrate the 212th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States with a swearing-in ceremony for new citizens in the National Archives Rotunda.

Following the ceremony, the new citizens will be invited to make a free international phone call to a friend or relative, courtesy of AT&T.

THE PRESS IS INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY. Use the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, and set up by 9:45 A.M., as the ceremony begins promptly at 10 A.M.

This will be a unique opportunity to film a naturalization ceremony in the Rotunda of the National Archives in front of the first and signature pages of the U.S. Constitution. PLEASE NOTE THAT NO ARTIFICIAL LIGHT WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE ROTUNDA.

WHEN AND WHERE:

Friday, September 17, 1999

10 A.M.:

Naturalization ceremony in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building.

The ceremony is open to petitioners and their families and members of the public who have obtained free tickets in advance.

Noon—8 P.M.:

The first and signature pages of the Constitution, on permanent display in the Rotunda of the National Archives, will be flanked by a joint services military honor guard. The changing of the guard will take place every 30 minutes. The Rotunda will remain open until 8 P.M. TODAY ONLY.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.

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