Independence Day at Monticello 2007 - Part 1

Excerpts from Sam Waterston's address at the annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony at the home of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, near Charlottesville, Virginia. This is about 7 minutes from Waterston's 22-minute speech. Also included is the reading of the preamble to the Declaration of Independence by John Charles Thomas, a trustee of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation.

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• Independence
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• Monticello
• 2007
• July
• Fourth
• Sam
• Waterston
• Citizenship
• naturalization
• immigrants
• Charlottesville
• Albemarle
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[OscarLewis]

My family and I witnessed this first hand a were deeply moved.

I just finished watching this year's installation with President Bush. I am so grateful that Bush didn't address the crowd in 2007. His presence made it look more like a political rally.

[GinaDecember]

I thought that was the fine actor Sam Waterston I recognized when the new citizen was speaking. I could not comment on that page. The new citizen from Africa spoke beautifully and eloquent. Positive speaking to move forward and not backwards was the sentiment for this day. Very nice.

[clieblan]

I was there, too, to witness this finely crafted and delivered inspirational speech. To read a transcript and see the speech in its entirety, visit the Monticello website -- monticello dot org

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

Yet another fan of Mr. Waterston here. Thank you for allowing me to appreciate such an eloquent speech and call to action. As a political activist myself, with roots that go back to the founding of this nation, I challenge everyone to take up the duties of citizenship and to get active in the workings of our nation.

[SamWaterstonFanatic]

Thank you so much for posting this! I am a HUGE fan of Sam's, and since I live in Virginia Beach, I was really wishing I could have been there in person to hear his speech...this video is very much appreciated.

[Alkow]

Thanks so much for posting this! I was there, but don't own a video camera, so I wasn't able to record. Now I can send my friends to view your wonderful video of it. Thanks for sharing!