STILLWATER — Adam J. Collett was a bit stunned when he learned he would be sworn in Wednesday morning as an American citizen at Saratoga National Historical Park.
Collett, who was born in the United Kingdom and has been in the U.S. for only three years, knows the historical significance of the two Battles of Saratoga in 1777, the turning point of the American Revolution. It's where an American army defeated a British army, leading to recognition by France.
"It was a touch of irony when they said the battlefield on July 4th," said Collett, 31, of Clifton Park.
"Becoming an American citizen on the Saratoga battlefield is a special honor," said Joe Finan, the park superintendent.
Collett was among 30 new citizens from 22 countries sworn in at the eighth annual naturalization ceremony at the battlefield.
"Welcome, new Americans. You are part of our family now," said State Sen. Roy J. McDonald, R-Saratoga, who made the keynote address at the swearing-in ceremony.
"We all come from someplace else. We all have one thing in common. We're Americans," McDonald said.
Another 20 new Americans hailing from 15 different countries were sworn in at a ceremony at Empire State Plaza in Albany as part of the state's Fourth of July celebration.
"Your new country, the United States of America, will be a better place because of you," said state Supreme Court Justice E. Michael Kavanagh of the Appellate Division.
Chris Casasola, 36, and his wife, Lovella Casasola, 33, took the oath as citizens.
The two Albany residents were accompanied on stage by their 4-year-old son, Christian, while their 3-year-old daughter, Celine, was with friends watching the event.
"We enjoy liberty. I want to live out the American dream," Chris Casasola said about the decision to become American citizens after moving from the Philippines six years ago.
These 50 Americans are among a group of more than 4,000 new citizens who participated in naturalization ceremonies from June 28 to July 10 to mark the country's 236th birthday, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The ceremonies were held across the country and overseas.
Many of the naturalization ceremonies were held at places of historical significance.
These included George Washington's Mount Vernon estate in Virginia; Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Virginia; the National Constitution Center at Independence Mall and at the Betsy Ross House, both in Philadelphia; and aboard the USS Constitution in Boston.
Part of the excitement for this newest group of Americans will be the opportunity to register to vote and participate in the November presidential election.
Casasola said he's been reading up on the candidates. He's drawn to the Democrats and President Barack Obama.
Dominique Therese Marie-Madeleine Vatel voted in the French presidential election earlier this year.
Vatel, 46, came to Saratoga Springs from France 12 years ago. The French-language instructor is looking forward to registering and voting in the U.S. presidential election as a supporter of Barack Obama.
Vatel was one of the first people to become an American citizen after taking a new preparation course offered by Literacy of New York for the first time in Saratoga Springs.
"I'm just so glad I could help them in the process," said Leona Beck of Saratoga Springs, who organized and led the course.
Katarzyna Maria Bilica, 29, of Troy, arrived from Poland about eight years ago to study in New Jersey. Bilica, now an accounting student at the University at Albany, decided it was time to become an American.
Wednesday's ceremony at the battlefield is the last local one for James Wyrough, head of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Albany, who administered the oath of allegiance. Wyrough is transferring to San Jose, Calif.
The new citizens still face challenges. Collett, who teaches at Albany Academies and is the school's varsity soccer coach, said he will be torn when it comes to rooting in the Olympics this summer.
"It's going to be a bit different with the Olympics," the new American said about the sporting events, which became demonstrations of patriotism for many fans.
kcrowe@timesunion.com • 518-454-5084 • @KennethCrowe