The auditorium at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture was filled to capacity Presidents Day, Feb. 17, as more than 60 people from nearly 40 countries were sworn in as U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony led by Judge David J. Novak.

In his remarks, Judge Novak emphasized the importance of being active and informed citizens by participating in the country’s democratic processes — voting, serving on juries, and instilling the ideals of nation in the country’s youths. Novak acknowledged the significance of the holiday, paying great attention to American presidents and encouraging citizens to exercise their right to vote, but when doing so, to look beyond party labels and focus on candidates’ character.

“We have every right to demand that our president and elected officials are people of the highest possible character,” he said.

 The Hon. David J. Novak, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, lead the naturalization ceremony at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture on Presidents Day, Feb. 17. The event was held in partnership with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
 

Following the ceremony, the newly sworn-in citizens and their families gathered in the museum’s lobby for a celebration with refreshments and music by the Richmond Brass Consort. The event was held in partnership with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Each new citizen received a one-year membership to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture to celebrate their status as citizens.