U.S. Attorney General to Speak at National Archives Naturalization Ceremony
Press Release · Thursday, December 8, 2005

Washington, DC…On Thursday, December 15, at 10 a.m., the National Archives continues its popular tradition of holding a naturalization ceremony for petitioners seeking United States citizenship. This year's ceremony will feature remarks by U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. The moving ceremony will be held on the 214th anniversary of the adoption of the Bill of Rights, and will take place in front of the original "Charters of Freedom" in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom in the National Archives Building. The ceremony is co-sponsored by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Please note: due to the ceremony, the Rotunda will open to the public at 11:30 a.m. and remain open until 5:30 p.m. Regular hours of 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. resume on Friday, December 16.

Chief Judge Thomas F. Hogan of the United States District Court for the Dist rict of Columbia will preside as 35 petitioners for United States citizenship take the oath of citizenship in front of the Charters of Freedom (The Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights). Chief Judge Hogan, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, and Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein will make remarks.

A reception will be held following the ceremony for the new citizens, their families and friends.

THE PRESS IS INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY. The press should use the Constitution Avenue Special Events entrance, at 7th Street, NW, and set up by 9:45 A.M., as the ceremony begins promptly at 10 A.M.

NOTE: THE USE OF FLASH AND ADDITIONAL LIGHTS IS PROHIBITED IN THE ROTUNDA.

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For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-501-5526.

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