They hailed from India, Mexico, Colombia, the Bahamas and other places. On July 2, 2014, they all became Americans. More than 1,000 people from more than 120 countries took citizenship oath during a ceremony at Turner Field. 

"It was my time," said  Sara Szekely, originally from Romania, who celebrated with her children Iza and Truman ("like the president.")

It was one of my favorite stories to cover, and this weekend seemed like a good time to revisit it.  Here are more photos from that day .

MORE: Independence Day will be special for these new Americans

AJC file photo: Brant Sanderlin

Credit: Jennifer Brett

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Credit: Jennifer Brett

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Blooper celebrates the Atlanta Brave’s 5-0 win over the New York Mets during a MLB game Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Truist Park. This year, the venue is a first-time host of the MLB All-Star game. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

Credit: Daniel Varnado for the AJC

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Rebecca Ramage-Tuttle, assistant director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, says the the DOE rule change is “a slippery slope” for civil rights. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC