Mayor Rahm Emanuel today commemorated Presidents' Day by hosting a Naturalization Ceremony at Chicago's City Hall. The ceremony paid tribute to the values and ideals put forth by our nation’s forefathers.

"Today you are citizens in a country that is more than just a place on a map, but a set of ideals," said Mayor Emanuel. "The immigrant story is the American story. It is our nation’s heritage and our greatest source of vitality and prosperity. And here in this city, in this country, we will always ensure that that principle will be honored and protected."

The Naturalization Ceremony was conducted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. During the ceremony 25 people, from 15 countries took the Oath of Allegiance to officially become United States citizens.

Today marks the ninth Naturalization Ceremony hosted by Chicago as part of the City’s New Americans Initiative.

For more information on the services available to Chicago's immigrant and refugees communities, visit the Office of New American website at www.cityofchicago.org/newamericans.

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