VOA标准英语2010年-New Citizens Look Forward to July 4th

Several thousand people who lived in the United States for five years or more, gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Center, to become US citizens

The Fourth of July is America's birthday, celebrated¹ with parades, fireworks and family get-togethers. It commemorates² July 4, 1776, when the nation's founders³ cut their ties to Britain to become a separate nation. For new citizens, the day has a special meaning.

They gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 3,000 in the morning and 3,000 more in the afternoon.

They were young and old and came from Mexico, the Philippines, Iran – 110 countries in all. Some have lived in the United States for decades as permanent residents. Zhang Qian from China, has lived here for five years.

"It makes me feel I'm a part of the country and I'm really honored as well, and I'm so excited right now," he said.

New citizens pledge loyalty⁴ to the United States, its constitution and laws. For Zsigmond Balla and his family, from Romania, it is time to offer thanks.

"A big thank you for letting us be here in this country and we are proud to become American citizens," said Balla.
These new citizens look forward to voting, and the major political parties were outside to recruit them.

Kara Noble from Britain and many others also are looking forward to celebrating their first Fourth of July as American citizens.

"It will be a fabulous⁵, extra special day, I think with double beers. May be a trip down to the beach. Definitely fireworks," says Noble.

Some who were sworn in as new citizens are already serving the country in the U.S. military. Other new citizens are married to service members.

Many say they are filled with pride, including Mexico-born Salvador Alcala.

"Because we are a free country," Alcala said.

Andrew Rizk and his family come from Egypt and have lived here for six years. He says every fourth of July, they celebrate at the beach, and this year will be no different.

"It's like a tradition now," said Rizk. "We always go to Huntington Beach and watch the fireworks."

After the ceremony, participants got certificates to verify their new status as American citizens. Others took family photographs to remember the occasion.

Many say they are looking forward America's birthday, the Fourth of July.
 

1 celebrated   

adj.有名的，声誉卓著的

参考例句：

• He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
• The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。

2 commemorates   

n.纪念，庆祝( commemorate的名词复数 )v.纪念，庆祝( commemorate的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• A tombstone is erected in memory of whoever it commemorates. 墓碑是为纪念它所纪念的人而建的。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• A tablet commemorates his patriotic activities. 碑文铭记他的爱国行动。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》

3 founders   

n.创始人( founder的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• He was one of the founders of the university's medical faculty. 他是该大学医学院的创建人之一。 来自辞典例句
• The founders of our religion made this a cornerstone of morality. 我们宗教的创始人把这看作是道德的基石。 来自辞典例句

4 loyalty   

n.忠诚，忠心

参考例句：

• She told him the truth from a sense of loyalty.她告诉他真相是出于忠诚。
• His loyalty to his friends was never in doubt.他对朋友的一片忠心从来没受到怀疑。

5 fabulous   

adj.极好的；极为巨大的；寓言中的，传说中的

参考例句：

• We had a fabulous time at the party.我们在晚会上玩得很痛快。
• This is a fabulous sum of money.这是一笔巨款。