STURBRIDGE, Mass. - A group of Massachusetts residents are now U.S. citizens after a naturalization ceremony at Old Sturbridge Village on Friday. The new citizens were born in 13 different countries. 

What You Need To Know

  • Close to 30 people became U.S. citizens on Friday
  • Old Sturbridge Village held the annual ceremony ahead of the July 4th holiday
  • New citizens cans vote and serve on a jury 

Lolbi Jimenez is from the Dominican Republic and has been living in Massachusetts for 10 years. 

“It’s a remarkable moment. It is something that I always looked forward to after I basically grew up here,"  Jimenez said. "I went to middle school, high school, college. There is nothing that would make me more proud than this."

Dario Costa came to the U.S. from Brazil about 40 years ago. The Burlington man also went to school here, started his own company, and now has what he's always wanted: a certificate of citizenship. 

“Exhilarated. It is a part of history. Becoming a citizen, this country, it has been everything to me since I got here," Costa said. "I feel like I’m part of it."

Citizenship comes with new rights, like being able to vote and serving on a jury. 

“Do not take these rights for granted, they are precious and must be exercised to remain vibrant," Hon. Kenneth Neiman, Magistrate Judge, said. 

Friday’s ceremony was unique as well, being held at a museum which depicts what New England towns were like in the 1800s. 

And as the new citizens smiled, shed tears, and waved their flags, they all shared a similar feeling.

“I’m very happy, very proud and I love this country," Luisa Quintero Scola said.