I Pledge Allegiance . . .The American Dream Comes True For 1,000

I Pledge Allegiance . . .The American Dream Comes True for 1,000 Immigrants Sworn In as U.S. Citizens at Walt Disney World Resort, July 4

Gala July 4th Ceremonies Included Performances by Gloria Estefan, Lee Greenwood

To streaking jets and daytime fireworks, more than 1,000 immigrants from dozens of countries realized their dream of becoming United States citizens Wednesday during a gala Fourth of July swearing-in at Walt Disney World Resort.

For the first time in its 35-year history, Main Street, U.S.A. at Disney's Magic Kingdom theme park was the backdrop as Disney Parks and Resorts and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) jointly hosted a swearing-in ceremony on the forecourt of Cinderella Castle. The event was open to park guests who led the cheering for the celebrants.

Presided over by Director of USCIS Emilio Gonzalez, dreamers from more than 100 countries raised their right hand and took the Oath of Allegiance to become citizens. The ceremony featured the presentation of the colors, a keynote address by U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., the national anthem performed by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan, the Oath of Allegiance and the Pledge of Allegiance. USCIS also recognized Estefan and her husband Emilio as outstanding "Americans by Choice" for being exemplary naturalized citizens.