CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - President Bush invoked the memory of Thomas Jefferson on Friday in welcoming new U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony at Monticello, saying, "I'll be proud to call you a fellow American."
On his final Fourth of July as president, Bush told an audience at the home of the Declaration of Independence's author that he was honored to be present for the naturalization.
Anti-war protesters shouted out calls for Bush's impeachment on nine occasions during Bush's brief remarks, and the president responded by saying he agrees that "we believe in free speech in the United States of America."
The last six Fourth of July holidays have taken place amid continuing violence in Iraq. Bush's addition of 28,000 U.S. troops last year in Iraq helped foster a measure of stability in what is now the sixth summer of the war.
The 150 or so demonstrators, from a variety of groups opposing Bush's policies on the war in Iraq, also rallied along the path of the president's motorcade to Monticello.
Bush mentioned neither the war in Iraq nor the battle against terrorism.
For the people assembled, he said: "When you raise your hands and take your oath, you will complete an incredible journey. ...From this day forward, the history of the United States will be part of your heritage."
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