On July 4, 2025, former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger honored the founding of the United States in a stirring keynote address at Mount Vernon. Speaking to more than 100 new U.S. citizens from 95 countries at an annually held naturalization ceremony, Schwarzenegger said, “When you took that oath, you were not putting your hand out for what you could get. No. You put your hand up in a promise of what you would do for America.”
Before the ceremony, Schwarzenegger joined Mount Vernon President & CEO Douglas Bradburn in laying a wreath at Washington’s Tomb. Designed with symbolic flowers, including Austrian fir and California eucalyptus, the wreath bore the message “America’s First Action Hero,” a tribute to Washington and a nod to Schwarzenegger’s iconic film persona.
Schwarzenegger, born in Austria, noted:
When I came to this country 57 years ago, not in my wildest dreams did I think—and I had wild dreams: being the greatest bodybuilder and a movie star—that one day I would be asked to lay a wreath at George Washington’s tomb.
New Americans raise their right hands on Mount Vernon’s bowling green as they take the Oath of Allegiance during the July 4 naturalization ceremony. (Kaitlyn Prange / MVLA)
Delivering his address in front of Washington’s Mansion, Schwarzenegger spoke of his own 1983 naturalization, calling it one of the proudest days of his life. Addressing the crowd of more than 1,000—including the families of those being naturalized, dignitaries, and members of the public—he urged the new citizens to embrace their role in shaping the nation’s future. Schwarzenegger was joined onstage by Doug Bradburn, president & CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon; Troy Edgar, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Aaron Calkins, chief of staff for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Madeline Kristoff, USCIS deputy district director; and Hilary Carter West, Vice Regent for the District of Columbia for the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.
Bradburn, who led Schwarzenegger on a private tour of the Mansion and grounds, reflected on the meaning of the day: “As we welcome guests to Mount Vernon for An American Celebration and fireworks, it is important to remember that July 4 is more than a famous date in history. It’s the embodiment of the ideals that George Washington fought to secure.”
The naturalization ceremony was the centerpiece of Mount Vernon’s An American Celebration, sponsored by Boeing and welcoming thousands of visitors. Families explored the grounds, posed for pictures with costumed interpreters, and enjoyed fireworks over the Potomac— fitting for a day when the United States’ newest citizens officially became part of the American story.
The former governor and iconic film star gave the keynote address on the Fourth of July at Mount Vernon’s "An American Celebration."
Hundreds of visitors gathered at George Washington’s Mount Vernon on July 4, 2025, for "An American Celebration" and a stirring address from Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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