On July 4, 2007, the Ethnic Heritage Council hosted the 23rd Annual Naturalization Ceremony at Seattle Center. Over 500 people, from more than 70 countries were sworn in as new citizens of the United States of America.
The ceremony included speeches by U.S. Representative Jim McDermott, and Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed, with Seattle City Mayor Gregory J. Nickels as Master of Ceremonies.  The Congratulatory speech will be delivered by Washington State Governor, 1997-2005, Gary Locke.
Navy Band Northwest performed festive selections. During the ceremony,  Native American Storyteller Gene Tagaban presented a sacred story and the Total Experience Gospel Choir, with director Pat Wright performed.  The Children of the World ledthe new citizens in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for their first time.
Each year, the Ethnic Heritage Council honors a naturalized citizen who has made outstanding contribution to his or her adopted country, the U.S.A., while maintaining his or her ethnic heritage.  Congressman Jim McDermott will present the 2007 “Spirit of Liberty Award” to Ramesh Gangolli, of the East Indian Community.
23rd Annual Naturalization Ceremony is produced by the Ethnic Heritage Council, a non-profit organization formed in 1980, Seattle Center and United States Department of Homeland Security, proudly sponsored by Seattle Center, Bank of America, Western Washington Toyota Dealers Association, University Lions Foundation, WITT COMPANY-Document Imaging Solutions, Rotary Club of the Seattle-International District, American Legion Seattle Post #1, AILA Washington Chapter, National DAR-Rainier Chapter, Ballard Blossom and supported by the City of Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, 4Culture, Washington State Arts Commission and National Endowment for the Arts.  Since its inception, the Council has worked to promote inter-ethnic communication and cultural preservation in the Northwest.  The Naturalization Ceremony is part of Seattle Center's Safeco Insurance Festál, a year-long series of world cultural events that honors the richness and diversity of our region.  Festál is presented by The Seattle Times.