The Patrick Henry National Memorial will host its annual Naturalization Ceremony on Friday, May 8, 2015 at 11 a.m. on the beautiful grounds of Red Hill, Henry?s last home and burial place, overlooking the Staunton River valley. Citizen applicants earn the right to become U. S. citizens by meeting several requirements, one of which is to pass a test demonstrating the applicant?s ability to read, write, and speak basic English. Applicants must also show that they have a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government. Among the many questions individuals have been given to study has been, ?Who declared, ?Give me liberty or give me death!??? The final step in the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, the Naturalization Ceremony welcomes citizens to celebrate their new status in the country. Approximately thirty individuals will be sworn in by officials of the U.S. District Court - Western District of Virginia.Virginia Tourism Corporation?s President and Chief Executive Officer, Rita McClenny, is this year?s guest speaker. Rita is in charge of marketing the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination and film location. The Honorable Judge Norman K. Moon will preside over the ceremony at Red Hill, as he has for the last seven years. Patrick Henry Jolly, who is Patrick Henry?s fifth and sixth great grandson, will portray Henry while speaking to the naturalized citizens as part of the ceremony. Prior to the oath ceremony, docents will be available in Patrick Henry?s house and law office to provide information about Henry?s life at Red Hill in the 1790s starting at 9:00 a.m. Eighteenth century interpreters will demonstrate blacksmithing, spinning and weaving, and will be in the historic buildings.
Naturalization Ceremony
Date and Time
Friday May 8, 2015 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
Friday, May 8, 2015 with seating beginning at 10:15am and the ceremony at 11am
Location
Patrick Henry's Red Hill 1250 Red Hill Road Brookneal, VA 24528