President Bush (web|news|bio) spoke at the July 4^th naturalization ceremony at Monticello in Charlottesville. It was the President's final Independence Day in office.

 

 

 

It was more than stars and stripes. For these 72 now citizens -- it's an accomplishment.

 

On the steps of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, President Bush spoke of diversity - what he calls an important part of this country.

 

President George W. Bush (web|news|bio) - "From this day forward, the history of the United States will be part of your heritage."

 

And reminded each one of these immigrants why they were there.

 

President Bush - "A love of freedom."

 

Julia Freeman, American Citizen - "Freedom, I guess."           

 

8-year-old Julia Freeman says that's her favorite part about becoming an American.

 

Julia - "It was really exciting to go up and get to wave at everybody."

 

Julia's parents adopted her as an infant. But she's not the first in her family to naturalize.

 

Emily Freeman, Sister - "I became an American citizen 10 years ago."

 

At age four, her older sister did the same. Their parents say America is about new life.

 

John Freeman, Father - "It's an exciting day for our family. It fulfills a sense of mission that we have to adopt children and give them the opportunities that America has to offer."    

 

And Friday Julia had the opportunity of a lifetime: an unexpected photo op in the arms of the President.

 

Julia - "It was really exciting and scary all at the same time."

 

But another beginning for Julia.

 

John - "We will remember this day and Julia, more importantly, will remember this day for the rest of her life."

 

One thing the President did not talk about -- Iraq (web|news) or the war. Four Iraqis were part of Friday's naturalization.

 

He pointed out to the crowd of three-thousand this ceremony was about democracy and the citizens declaring their support for our nation.

 

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