Mount Vernon, VA — Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to deliver remarks to new citizens on Independence Day at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, one of the most historically significant venues in America. An Austrian who became a U.S. citizen in 1983, Schwarzenegger will speak during a 10 AM ET naturalization ceremony, during which more than 100 people will be sworn in as U.S. citizens.
“The day I raised my right hand and became an American citizen was, without a doubt, one of the greatest days of my life,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “If you told me on that day that 43 years later I would be standing at Mount Vernon, the home of one of my heroes and a historic symbol of freedom and democracy, to welcome more new citizens, I would have been shocked. But that’s the beauty of the United States of America: nothing is impossible. I owe everything to this country, and I can’t wait to share this moment with these new citizens to remind them of the limitless opportunity afforded by their new home. I hope they will feel the same debt of gratitude that I’ve tried to repay throughout my whole life by giving back, being committed to our Constitution, and united by our shared values.”
Governor Schwarzenegger’s remarks are part of a full array of historical and family-friendly events and activities at Mount Vernon in celebration of America’s 249th birthday. Located just outside of Washington, D.C., on the banks of the Potomac River, America’s Birthday events and activities include:
- An American Celebration on July 4. During this patriotic event, visitors can enjoy daytime fireworks, hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence, watch military drills, listen to the National Concert Band, and engage with 18th-century character interpreters. Guests can also visit the Patriots Path military encampment, watch the 18th-century baking process, attend a wreath laying at Washington’s tomb, and observe a moving naturalization ceremony. Learn more.
- Independence Day Evening Fireworks on June 27, June 28, and July 4, along with 18th-century music, activities, and entertainment. Tickets typically sell out early, so reserve soon. Learn more.
The July Fourth schedule is available here.
Mount Vernon’s An American Celebration and Independence Day Evening Fireworks are made possible by Boeing, the presenting sponsor.
Guests who purchase a full-priced ticket can receive unlimited daytime admission to Mount Vernon for the rest of the year with the 2025 Pass. More details are available here.
Photographs related to the upcoming events at Mount Vernon are available here and should be attributed to the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.
Please note that Mount Vernon has embarked upon a landmark Mansion Revitalization project. During visits, preservation teams are restoring the framing, masonry, drainage, and environmental controls of the Mansion, ensuring America’s first president’s home will be ready to receive millions of guests for generations to come. The Mansion will always remain open during this vital work, with individual rooms taken off display as work progresses. The Education Center exhibit on George Washington’s life will be off display for an extensive rebuild until Spring 2026. However, the expansive estate remains open to visitors, including the museum, more than a dozen historic buildings, the gardens and farm, and the Tomb.
Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States. The estate is open to visitors and includes the Mansion, a museum and education center, gardens, tombs, a working farm, a functioning distillery, and a gristmill. It also includes the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon.