BALTIMORE – At a special naturalization ceremony at Ft. McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin welcomed 50 new citizens to the United States and told them that U.S. citizenship is one of the "greatest gifts but that it also brings with it enormous responsibility," said the Congressman, whose district includes Ft. McHenry.

"As citizens, you must be willing to defend and protect this great nation. But you also have an obligation to participate in this great democracy through the electoral process. That is probably your greatest responsibility as new citizens -- to keep this democracy alive through your interest and determination.

"Our country is great because of immigrants like you who have come here in search of the American dream and have started families and contributed in so many ways to this nation. We are fortunate to have you as new citizens -- your vitality and energy are our future."