On July 25, at 10 a.m., 50 people from 27 countries completed the naturalization process, took the Oath of Allegiance and became United States citizens at Pennsbury Manor, the riverfront home of Pennsylvania founder William Penn.
Held on Pennsbury Manor’s river court in front of the Manor House, Washington Crossing’s DAR chapter provided refreshments for new citizens and their families. This private ceremony included a rendition of the national anthem, welcoming remarks from Historic Site Administrator Doug Miller, an administration of the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, the first Pledge of Allegiance as new citizens, remarks from Bucks County Bar Association President Tyler Tomlinson and remarks from one of the new citizens.
“This ceremony has become a signature event for Pennsbury Manor and one that all of us on staff look forward to immensely all year long,” said Miller. “Over 340 years ago, William Penn established a colony that embraced a broad group of religions and people from diverse backgrounds and countries. This year, we see the continuation of Penn’s legacy in the accomplishments and hopes of these new citizens of our United States.”
Penn lived at the scenic 17th-century estate when he drafted his famous “Charter of Privileges” outlining principles of religious tolerance, natural rights and political fairness — democratic ideals later enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. By Penn’s design, Pennsylvania became America’s most diverse colony and the basis for the American “melting pot.” At Pennsbury Manor today, his legacy lives on and inspires the surrounding community through history-making and history-celebrating events throughout the year.
Visit pennsburymanor.org/ for more information.
