Public Invited to Naturalization Ceremony

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness …”
Those words, drawn from the Declaration of Independence and undersigned by Arthur Middleton in 1776, form the heart of what it means to be an American.  On Friday, June 26, 2015, beginning at 10:00 a.m., the U.S. government will bestow those rights on dozens of new American citizens at a Naturalization Ceremony at Middleton Place.
Held each year commemorating Arthur Middleton’s birthday, the Naturalization Ceremony has become a distinctly patriotic event at Middleton Place.  It serves as a reminder of the varied makeup of the nation’s citizenry which, through natural birth or Naturalization, weaves the cultural patchwork that is the United States.
Middleton Place welcomes the public to attend the ceremony to witness the memorable occasion.  The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. with the Presentation of the Flag by the Colonial Color Guard.  Becca Anderson, local actress & singer, will perform the National Anthem and America the Beautiful.  A Welcome Message from Charles Duell, Middleton Place Foundation President, will then be given, followed by a keynote speech by Judge Richard Gergel, who will also administer the Oath of Allegiance.
The ceremony will take place on the Greensward under the centuries old live oaks.  Attendance is free with paid admission.  Thus, visitors can incorporate the ceremony into their day of touring Middleton Place.
Following the Naturalization Ceremony, everyone is encouraged to explore Middleton Place Gardens, House Museum & Stableyards.  The House Museum will host Arthur Middleton-themed tours all day, focusing on his family, his service during the American Revolution, and objects he once owned.
The Naturalization ceremony will be
held Friday, June 26 at 10 a.m. at Middleton Place, located at 4300 Ashley River Road.
For more information, call 556-6020.