Protesters made it hard to hear President Bush Friday as he welcomed new citizens and marked Independence Day at the home of Thomas Jefferson.
As is the tradition each Fourth of July, a naturalization ceremony was held at Monticello in Charlottesville, Va. This year, 76 immigrants from 30 different countries came to take the oath of citizenship.
But Bush repeatedly was interrupted as he welcomed the guests.
"That man is a fascist!" one protester yelled. Another swore at him.
The protesters later were removed from the ceremony by law enforcement officials.
"To my fellow citizens to be — we believe in free speech in the United States of America," Bush said when the protesters started shouting.
To the din of more yelling, Bush discussed Jefferson’s legacy as he introduced the citizens.
"We honor Jefferson’s legacy by aiding the rise of liberty in lands that do not know the blessings of freedom, and on this Fourth of July we pay tribute to the brave men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America," he said.
"We also honor Jefferson's legacy by welcoming newcomers to our land, and that is what we’re here to celebrate today."
More than 3,000 citizens have taken the oath at Monticello on Independence Day since 1963.
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