July 4 naturalization ceremony canceled
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » In consultation with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Saratoga National Historical Park has canceled the Naturalization Ceremony, traditionally held on July 4.
The popular event draws hundreds of visitors and participants to witness the moving ceremony of citizens taking the oath of allegiance for the first time. The size of the crowd, and nature of the seated event, makes it unsafe to carry out during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This event is one of the most poignant ceremonies we have at the park, and it is unfortunate that we will all not be able to hold it this year,” park Superintendent Amy Bracewell said. “The health and safety of our visitors and employees is our top priority and ultimately led to this decision.”
The park’s operational approach while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic is to examine each facility function, each service provided, and each special event to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. It continues to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workplaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.
As the park anticipates being able to increase visitor access to the park when the Capital Region of New York is cleared to enter Phase 4 of the “New York Forward” plan, park staff will continue to assess the health and safety of operations, and develop new ways for people to explore the park, through self-guided experiences and online activities.
For more information about park operations and activities, please see the parks’s website at www.nps.gov/sara.