“Welcome to United States Citizenship” Citizens Take Oath at America’s Turning Point

Hundreds of people witnessed a ceremony to swear in 10 new citizens on July 4.

On a site where freedom was secured for all nearly 250 years ago, 10 people swore allegiance to the United States in a citizenship ceremony at the Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater. 

The ceremony took place on July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence going into effect. The 10 people sworn in hailed from Bangladesh, Canada, China, Guyana and India. The ceremony was witnessed by a crowd of hundreds who filled out the tents, sidewalks, and grasses surrounding the ceremony. 

The ceremony featured a performance of the Star Spangled Banner and other traditional American patriotic songs by the Racing City Chorus and a reading of the Declaration of Independence by a park volunteer clad in period accurate regalia. 

The citizenship oath was administered by Citizenship and Immigration Services Albany Field Office Director Gwynne Dinolfo. Other speakers included Park Superintendent Leslie Morlock and Assemblymember Carrie Woerner who spoke about her own family’s experience coming the United States from Germany and finding their own version of the American Dream. 

Woerner also commended the citizens on their journey, noting the hardship of leaving behind the familiar to seek a better life. 

“You came here with your talents your hopes, your dreams, and your energies to join us in making sure that this nation remains a place of opportunity, that the values of liberty and justice for all, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness remain values that future generations hold here,” Woerner said. 

The 2026 ceremony marks the 23rd annual ceremony held at Saratoga National Historical Park. Over that time 400 citizens have been sworn in.