ALBEMARLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- People from Afghanistan, Indonesia, Romania and Iraq were among the newly minted Americans being celebrated at the annual July 4th naturalization ceremony at Monticello. 

“We welcome 74 new United States citizens who journeyed here from 36 countries,” said Dr. Jane Kamensky, president of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation.

Hundreds of people were in attendance.

The keynote speaker was Misty Copeland, the first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre.

“Celebrate your heritage while embracing your sheer identity of being an American,” said Copeland.

Copeland said that she drew inspiration for her speech from the new citizens' stories. She said that so much is possible by looking at what they’ve accomplished and where they are today, and to look at that is just inspiring.

“It‘s really emotional and exciting to be here on the 4th of July, and I hope I can come back,” says Copeland. 

Other speakers included as U.S. Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh, and Albert Diaz, chief circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

There was also an opportunity for the new citizens to share their thanks and appreciation up at the podium. 

“My husband bring me to the U.S. and saved my life, thank you,” says Sharon Ching-Yan Tam Endres.

“He gave me his heart, gave me his name, and gave me this country, thank you so much, baby,” says Emilia Yeago.