ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) Several hundred people gathered at Monticello for the annual naturalization ceremony at the home of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence. But 74 of those who were gathered left with a unique independence: becoming a new citizen of the United States.

Documentary icon Ken Burns was this year’s speaker.

“Happy 249th birthday to the United States,” he called out to the crowd.

In keeping with tradition, the ceremony included a reading of the entire Declaration of Independence, which includes, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Throughout his speech, Burns discussed Thomas Jefferson’s role in shaping the country and his complexities.

“He distilled a century of enlightenment thinking into one remarkable sentence, the purest expression of freedom and liberty than the world knows,” he said. “Yet he owned more than 600 human beings and only freed perhaps ten of them.”

But his speech was primarily a celebration of America’s complex past and the future it has created for all of its citizens, including those who were sworn in, a sentiment voiced by the new citizens who chose to speak before the crowd.

“Never did I imagine that my ceremony would take place here at Monticello, and I have a big imagination,” said one. “What an incredible gift. Thank you!”

One woman stood out when she received her naturalization certificate. She turned to the crowd behind her and waved it above her head, both hands in the air, a celebration that left many in the crowd cheering her on.

Her celebration continued when she took to the stage.

“Becoming a citizen of the U.S.A. means a lot to me,” she said. “It is a new beginning, and a big dream come true! Thank you for everything!”

All who spoke expressed thanks, each in their own way, some coming to tears.

Burns ended his speech with a challenge.

“Welcome, new citizens, the most important office in the land to the United States. Help us, help us exhibit an association powerful, wise and happy beyond what has yet been seen by many. Thank you.”