‘IMMIGRANTS ARE ACTION HEROES’: Schwarzenegger Welcomes New U.S. Citizens at Mount Vernon on July 4th

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By Josie Moralidad-Ziman

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA, USA – On America’s 249th Independence Day, more than 100 immigrants from 95 countries, including the Philippines, took their oath and officially became U.S. citizens during a special naturalization ceremony at Mount Vernon.

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered the keynote speech, calling immigrants “real-life action heroes” for their courage and determination to build a better life.

One of the new citizens was Chonalyn Prado, who moved to the United States from Tarlac, Philippines, in 2008.

Becoming an American citizen has been her longtime dream—a dream built on hard work, sacrifice and love for her family.

“This means everything to me,” Prado said, smiling as she held her citizenship certificate and waved an American flag.

“I came here to support my family and find a better future. This country has given me so much. I’m so grateful.”

Prado shared that none of this would have been possible without her husband, who petitioned for her to come to the United States.

“I’m especially thankful to my husband,” she said.

“He believed in me and supported me every step of the way.”

Before the ceremony, Schwarzenegger placed a specially designed wreath at George Washington’s tomb with a ribbon that read, “America’s First Action Hero. Love, Arnold.”

He spoke about his own journey to the United States and the pride he felt when he became a citizen in 1983.

“Immigrants are action heroes,” Schwarzenegger told the crowd.

“You dreamed of something better, and you made it happen. You worked hard, you faced challenges, and you kept going. That’s what makes this country great.”

He encouraged the new citizens to embrace their heritage and remember that their stories matter.

“Your accent tells your story, and America needs your story,” he said.

After reciting the Oath of Allegiance, Prado and the other new citizens proudly said the Pledge of Allegiance.

The crowd cheered, and American flags waved in every direction in a joyful celebration of new beginnings.

The naturalization ceremony was the highlight of a full day of July 4 events at Mount Vernon, honoring the nation’s history and the diverse people who continue to shape its future.

As the event concluded, Schwarzenegger left the new Americans with this message:

“You are now part of the greatest country in the world. Be proud. Give back. And never forget—in America, anything is possible.”

Mount Vernon, home of America’s first president, George Washington, is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States.

Historian and author Doug Bradburn serves as CEO of Mount Vernon.

The estate is open to visitors and features the mansion, museum and education center, gardens, tombs, a working farm, a functioning distillery and gristmill, and the George Washington Presidential Library.

Josie Moralidad-Ziman is a former broadcast journalist in Iloilo before moving to the US. She also runs a non-profit that helps people with cancer and cancer survivors.