HIALEAH, Fla. – On the eve of America's 241st birthday, 155 people swore allegiance to the U.S. in a naturalization ceremony in Hialeah.
The class of citizens was from two dozen countries that included Cuba, Venezuela and Haiti.
"I'm blessed because this country give you that opportunity to be here and to do great by it. I have goosebumps, I love it," Daphnee Errie, whose father became a U.S. citizen Monday, said.
The emotional ceremony was one of many across the country celebrating U.S. independence.
"Make yourself be heard. Make a difference," Carlos Manrique, of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, said. "Dare to act and be part of the community that is the land of this nation. Be respectful of your neighbors and the law. To keep our democracy strong, we need the active participation of all our citizens."
One of the more poignant moments came after the swearing-in when the citizenry sang "America the Beautiful" with Old Glory waving from each seat.
"I feel happy," new U.S. citizen Cassandra Laramore said. "I've been here 47 years and I just made up my mind to become a citizen. I wanted to all along."
The weight of the moment was visibly on people's faces, including Marco Manuel, who reflected on Venezuela, the country he left behind years ago and one mired in violence and poverty.
"This is a country of laws and liberty," he said.