1,000 immigrants celebrate citizenship at Disney

In a stirring celebration of citizenship, more than 1,000 immigrants gathered on Main Street, U.S.A. early Friday to be "sworn in" as American citizens.

And then, as the country kicked off Independence Day weekend, these brand-new Americans attended a premiere performance of the newest Walt Disney World attraction, a "re-Imagineered" Hall of Presidents now featuring a lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure of President Barack Obama.

From more than 100 countries and ranging in age from 18 to 82, the immigrants took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States during a morning ceremony jointly hosted by Disney Parks and Resorts and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Actor Andy Garcia – a naturalized citizen himself – delivered a keynote address during the ceremony. Garcia, originally from Cuba, is an acclaimed actor known for roles in films as diverse as "The Untouchables," "The Godfather: Part III" and "Ocean's Eleven." The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tampa-based Senior Airman Brenda Langdon of the U.S. Air Force, an immigrant from Columbia who became a United States citizen during the ceremony.

"This year, Disney parks are asking our visitors 'What Will You Celebrate?'," said Walt Disney World Resort President Meg Crofton in her welcoming address. "And on a weekend when our entire nation celebrates its independence, we are honored to host – and celebrate – 1,000 individuals who are embracing American citizenship." [Via PRNewswire]