Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to Speak to New Citizens at Freedom Tower on July 4

On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., will be celebrating the Fourth of July by speaking to more than 200 new citizens from 50 nations who will become American citizens at the Freedom Tower in Miami. The new citizens include five members of the armed forces.

Ros-Lehtinen said, in a statement on Tuesday, that the location for the ceremony was very meaningful on both a symbolic and a personal level.

It is a distinct honor to speak before these new citizens on the day that America celebrates her independence, and even more so to be doing it at the iconic Freedom Tower, said Ros-Lehtinen. The Freedom Tower is a symbol of hope and liberty for many Cuban Americans because that is where many of us were processed by U.S. officials after fleeing the communist Castro tyranny. I have the sweetest and fondest memories of going to the Freedom Tower with my dad, mom and brother to receive the powdered milk and cheese that was given out there and I always love returning because it brings those memories back.

The story of the Freedom Tower is an example of the grandeur of the United States and her democratic form of government, she added. This is a gentle, welcoming nation and that is what makes America the greatest nation on earth and the envy of the world. Happy Birthday U.S.A. and I wish a warm welcome to the new citizens.