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Advertisement | Bush Greets New Citizens, And Protestors4th Of July Ceremony For New Americans At Monticello Interrupted By Cries For ImpeachmentCHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., July 4, 2008 ![]() A protester holds a sign during the speech by President George Bush at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello for the 46th annual Independence Day celebration naturalization ceremony in Charlottesville, Va., July 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (CBS/AP) President Bush welcomed new U.S. citizens at a swearing-in ceremony for naturalized Americans at Monticello this morning, but was also on the unwelcome receiving end of calls for his impeachment. Our nation's newest citizens, pledging their allegiance to the United States on the 232nd anniversary of the colonists' Declaration of Independence from King George III, witnessed an object lesson in free expression Friday on the grounds of Thomas Jefferson's home. Mr. Bush said he was honored to be present for the naturalization ceremony, saying "I'll be proud to call you a fellow American." However, throughout the president's remarks, protestors in attendance one by one got up and shouted statements like "Defend the constitution" and "Impeach Bush." "That man is a fascist!" one man yelled. "He has brought fascism to this shore!" At one point the president responded: "To my fellow citizens-to-be, we believe in free speech in the United States of America." Seventy-six men and women from 30 countries became Americans today. Mr. Bush mentioned neither the war in Iraq nor the battle against terrorism in his speech, other than to say that "we pay tribute to the brave men and women who wear the uniform." For those assembled at the naturalization ceremony, he said: "When you raise your hands and take your oath, you will complete an incredible journey. ... From this day forward, the history of the United States will be part of your heritage. "Throughout our history," he said, "the words of the declaration have inspired immigrants around the world to set sail to our shores. ... They made America a melting pot of culture from all across the world. They made diversity a great strength of our democracy. "You all have one thing in common - and that is a shared love of freedom ... and this is the love that makes us all Americans. ![]() (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) "The principles that Thomas Jefferson enshrined in the Declaration became the guiding principles of the new nation. And at every generation, Americans have rededicated themselves to the belief that all men are created equal, with the God-given right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thomas Jefferson understood that these rights do not belong to Americans alone; they belong to all mankind. And he looked to the day when all people could secure them." Some 150 or so demonstrators, from a variety of groups opposing Mr. Bush's policies on the war in Iraq, also rallied along the path of the president's motorcade to Monticello. © MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report. | Advertisement Death Toll Soars After Madrid Plane CrashNearly 150 Dead, Official Says, After Jet Skids Off Runway During Takeoff |
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