Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon Ladies Association
Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks at Mount Vernon on the 4th of July.
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger laid a wreath at the tomb of Gen. George Washington July 4, calling him "America's first action hero."
Schwarzenegger then delivered keynote remarks at George Washington’s Mount Vernon during a naturalization ceremony where more than 100 people from 95 countries were sworn in as U.S. citizens.
“Immigrants are action heroes," he told them. "Action is what got you here. You wanted something more, so you went after it. You worked hard, you struggled, and you persevered.”
His remarks were part of a full array of historical and family-friendly events and activities at Mount Vernon in celebration of America’s 249th birthday.
"As we welcome guests to Mount Vernon for An American Celebration and fireworks, it’s important to remember that July 4th is more than a date in history,” said Doug Bradburn, President and CEO of Mount Vernon. “Independence Day is the embodiment of the ideals that George Washington fought to secure. As Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and the first President of the United States, Washington helped turn the dream of independence into a lasting democracy. His courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to liberty continue to inspire our nation every Independence Day."
“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 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.”
The wreath for Washington's Tomb was custom-made, with design input from Governor Schwarzenegger. Flowers included white yarrow and Austrian fir to represent Austria, white stock, red, and blue anemone, along with silver dollar eucalyptus to represent California, freedom red roses, dark and light blue delphinium, white hydrangea, and red hypericum berry to represent Mount Vernon. Washington’s Prayer for His Country was read by Doug Bradburn, Mount Vernon President & CEO.
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.
