On Friday, May 12, approximately 30 individuals became U.S. citizens during a Naturalization Ceremony at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill.

In order to earn the right to become U.S. citizens, applicants must meet several requirements, one of which is to pass tests demonstrating the ability to read, write and speak basic English.

They must show they have knowledge of U.S. history and government.

Among the many questions individuals are given to study is “Who declared, ‘Give me liberty or give me death!’?”

During the ceremony, Virginia’s 48th Attorney General, Jason Miyares served as the event’s keynote speaker.

Miyares is the first Hispanic American to be elected to a statewide office in Virginia, and the first child of an immigrant to be Attorney General.

“I was honored to be the keynote speaker at a naturalization ceremony at Red Hill,” Miyares said. “Every time I have the opportunity to speak at a naturalization ceremony, I can’t help but to reflect on my mother’s story and America’s generosity.”

During his address, Miyares told applicants that when he was six years old, his mother asked him to help her practice the Pledge of Allegiance of this great country for her citizenship test.