Citizenship Ceremony at Colorado National Monument Marks New Beginnings

Becoming a United States citizen is an endeavor that requires resilience, patience, and time. For those who reach the culmination of years spent studying, filling out forms, and enduring long waits, the naturalization ceremony is a momentous occasion—a turning point celebrated with joy.

Each September, approximately 30 individuals take their oath of citizenship against the stunning backdrop of Colorado National Monument. For many, the beauty of the landscape adds to the emotional weight of the day, creating an unforgettable setting for this significant event.

The Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA), in partnership with the Hispanic Affairs Project (HAP), is honored to support this ceremony by offering refreshments and helping to welcome new citizens and their families. It’s a gesture of community, solidarity, and warmth that underscores the spirit of the day.

During the ceremony, the presiding judge invites the new citizens to share what this moment means to them. Personal stories emerge—some of hardship, others of hope—often moving the crowd to tears. These testimonies encapsulate the unique journeys of individuals from different backgrounds, all unified by their new status as American citizens.

Colorado National Monument Superintendent Nathan Souder is among the officials who address the audience, offering words of encouragement and congratulations. As a token of welcome, Souder presents each new citizen with an “America the Beautiful” pass, granting them free access to all National Parks and Federal Public Lands for one year. CNMA gladly purchases these passes, a fitting way to invite new citizens to explore the natural treasures of America’s public lands.

For many, the day is full of personal connections. This year’s ceremony held special meaning for me as I unexpectedly witnessed a friend from Steamboat Springs, CO being naturalized. The friend and her husband camped the night before at the monument’s Saddlehorn Campground, adding another layer of celebration to an already unforgettable occasion.

The naturalization ceremony at Colorado National Monument is a cherished tradition for CNMA, embodying the values of community and unity. It’s more than a legal formality—it’s a day of kinship, where we come together to honor and welcome our newest citizens, in one of its breathtaking landscapes. As we continue to support this event, it serves as a reminder that citizenship is not just about belonging to a nation; it’s about connecting with the people and places that make it home.