President Bush Celebrates Fourth Of July With New U.S. Citizens

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - President George Bush celebrated his last Independence Day as Commander-in-Chief at the annual naturalization ceremony in Monticello, Virginia.

Speaking before 75 new citizens from 30 different countries, President Bush spoke about the legacy of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President and the author of the Declaration of Independence.

"When you raise your hands and take the oath, you will complete an incredible journey," he said, according to an official transcript. "That journey has taken you from many different countries; it's now made you one people. From this day forward, the history of the United States will be part of your heritage... I will be honored to call you a fellow American."

"At every generation, Americans have rededicated themselves to the belief that all men are created equal, with the God-given right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," President Bush added. "Thomas Jefferson understood that these rights do not belong to Americans alone. They belong to all mankind."

The President was interrupted several times by protesters shouting, "That man is a fascist!" His response, "To my fellow citizens to be, we believe in free speech in the United States of America," was greeted with applause.

Monticello, the estate of Jefferson, has been the place where immigrants have taken their oath as U.S. citizens on the Fourth of July for the past 46 years. President Bush is only the fourth sitting president to attend the ceremony, after Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and Gerald R. Ford.