Peace Izabayo listens intently to instructions on how the ceremony will proceed. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com

Bandelier’s Chief Ranger, Tom Betts, explains to the candidates that the flags they are to be given once flew at the US Embassy in each of their home countries. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com

Jerome Daligault’s family wait for him to be declared a citizen of the United States. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com

Michele Jacquez-Ortiz of U.S. Sen. Tom Udall’s Santa Fe Office, reads a prepared statement from the senator. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com

The candidates take their oath of citizenship. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com

Staff Report

More than 100 people attended the always inspirational Fourth of July Naturalization Ceremony at Bandelier National Monument.

Fifteen people became American citizens at the annual event including individuals from Brazil, France, India, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Ruwanda, Ukraine and United Kingdom.

Chief United States District Judge M. Christina Armijo presided over the ceremony. Bandelier Superintendent Jason Lott was the keynote speaker and Bandelier Ranger Tom Betts and his daughter sang the national anthem.

Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone shared some inspirational words with those gathered for the event.

Peace Izabayo receives her certificate of citizenship and congratulations at the 3rd annual naturalization ceremony at Bandelier National Monument. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com

New American citizen Edith Stringer is all smiles after receiving her certificate of citizenship. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com

Gavin Poultney receives his certificate of citizenship. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com

Los Alamos County Chief Deputy Clerk Adrianna Ortiz helps Jerome Daligault fill out his first voter registration form. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com

Rotary Club of Los Alamos past president Jim Nesmith with Susan Larson in front of the table where the Rotary Club provides cake each year following the naturalization ceremony. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com

Newly sworn American citizens pose with ceremony officials. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com

During the ceremony, each candidate stood when his or her country of origin was called. Here, Jerome Daligault stands as France is called. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com

Uma Krishnaswami stands as her country of India is called. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com

Voter registration forms are ready for newly appointed citizens to register to vote. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com

Chief United States District Judge M. Christina Armijo addresses the candidates for citizenship. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com

Gavin Poultney shows his excitement at becoming an American Citizen. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.com