Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes welcomed and congratulated new United States citizens at a naturalization ceremony held in conjunction with Louisville’s 15th annual WorldFest. The ceremony marked Grimes’ 75th naturalization ceremony as Secretary of State. Her office has been present for more than 100.
Grimes recognized 197 new citizens from 48 different countries who took the oath of citizenship to officially become Americans.
“I am as honored and humbled to be here with you today – my 75th naturalization ceremony – as I was at the first,” Grimes told the new citizens. “On this WorldFest weekend, we celebrate the vibrant cultures that help make Louisville a special city – cultures that each of you represent. We also celebrate you as Americans, now full citizens of a country that offers profound opportunity for each of you, opportunities realized by so many immigrants in history before you. This is why America is great.”
Grimes expressed to the new citizens the importance of participating in elections and asked them to go to the polls in every cycle. She encouraged them to register to vote using her office’s GoVoteKY.com online voter registration portal.
“Your vote is your voice, and now you are able to express your views at the ballot box. I encourage you to cast your vote in every cycle, in every election, in every race you are able. Our future is built by people who vote,” said Grimes.
WorldFest is one of the nation’s largest festivals celebrating international culture and cuisine. Due to weather, the festival’s activities run through Labor Day, Sept. 4.
