Our region became the center of presidential news Friday as President George W. Bush made the keynote speech at Monticello's Fourth of July naturalization ceremony.

Bush's visit is certainly a historic one. He is only the fourth sitting president in history to come to Monticello to celebrate in the Fourth of July ceremony.

The president quoted the Declaration of Independence Friday that all men are created equal, which was certainly evident as 76 people became U.S. citizens.

He began his speech saying, "When you raise your hands to take the oath, you will complete an incredible journey. That journey has taken you from many different countries, and now made you one people."

While addressing the crowd, Bush made sure to remind the new citizens what the Fourth of July is all about saying.

He comments, "On this Fourth of July, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America."

Many in the crowd have never seen the President in person, let alone had the chance to shake his hand. For Hataw Taha, it makes the dream of becoming an American that much sweeter.

Taha says, "It makes the day very, very special, not only just for me, but for everybody here."

As Bush left the cheering crowd, he reminded them that the naturalization ceremony is the beginning of a new life for many of them, new lives as U.S. citizens.

Bush says, "From this day forward, the history of the United States will be part of your heritage. The Fourth of July will be part of your Independence Day, and I will be honored to call you a fellow American."