When they departed an hour later, they were all Americans.

Under the tent's canopy, lined with yards of sheer fabric, Gregory L. Collett, the district director of the Department of Homeland Security U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Baltimore District Office, raised his right hand at 9:45 a.m. In response, 50 more shot up to swear the oath of allegiance.

The faces of those excited new citizens resembled a "gorgeous mosaic" of size, shape and color.

Afterwards, most of the new citizens, clasping tiny American flags and citizenship information packets, lined up at a voter registration table manned by several League of Women volunteers. Some took in the sights of the gracious, manicured garden.

It was all part of the pageantry surrounding the twin celebration of our nation's 232nd birthday and the embrace of new citizens in the heart of what once was our nation's capital.

For Ronald Kisson, 38 and of Hyattsville, who left Guyana a decade ago: "Becoming a citizen is a benefit for my kids - Joshua who is 6 and Ombretta, 16." Achieving his citizenship automatically conferred citizenship on his children under the age of 18.

"It's for freedom," said Irma Feinthel, 40, formerly of Guatemala, who now lives in Midland. Her three children range in age from 17-year-old Ardis and Luwen, 15, to Franklin, 8.

Edna Tarpeh fled her homeland, Liberia, during the country's civil war 10 years ago. She was evacuated by a United Nations peacekeeping group and became a refugee. The 39-year-old Silver Spring resident is a full-time nursing student studying surgical technology at Montgomery College. Wearing a colorful Liberian print dress, she stated, "I'm becoming a citizen to have the right to vote."

"I want to vote," agreed Soe Win, 47, of Gaithersburg. She left the brutal junta rule in Myanmar and is now manager of a gift shop.

"Today is a very special day. I'm very excited. I want to participate in this country well," explained Mee Joo, 37, a native of South Korea now residing in Frederick "My husband and 3-year-old baby are citizens. If I remain a Korean citizen here, it's like I'm in a different country. I want to be a part of life here."

Natasha Bowlds, 34, arrived in this country 33 years ago with her Australian parents. She lives in Laurel with her husband and three youngsters. Her dad, Philip Westerman of Kent, Ohio, was recruited to teach at Kent State University's medical school. He and his wife Janice became citizens 3½ years ago. They traveled from Ohio to proudly watch their daughter take the big step.

"I'm doing this mostly so I could vote," Mrs. Bowlds said in a distinct Maryland accent. I want my kids to be active and knowledgeable about citizenship."

As a new citizen, Kenneth Mormon ambled by wearing a Tommy Bahama shirt, its back printed with the stars and stripes,

Richard "Roy" Yepez patted his own silk tie sporting several U.S. flags.

The Germantown resident, born in Venezuela, noted: "I always wanted to be a citizen from Day One. I wanted to be part of this society. Not only take from this system, but give back to support the local community and my new country."

A satellite communications contractor, he also runs his own business, Roy's Fishing Outfitters, a tourist guide service for sports fishermen traveling to South America. In his spare time, he's volunteered with a local police department as a ride-along interpreter.

"I'm going to vote this election, absolutely," he smiled. "My mind's been set for months. I'm going to exercise my right."

As volunteer docents in 18th Century colonial garb milled about, the citizen-candidates were serenaded by the All Children's Chorus of Annapolis, directed by Julie Thomas.

Chorister Hannah Decker tied a flag bandana over her blonde locks.

Several area scouting groups representing Brownie Troop 1166, Girl Scout Troop 820, Cub Scout Packs 153 and 422, and Boy Scout Troop 422 formed colorful color guard for the U.S. and Maryland State flags.

John W. Guild, president and CEO, of the Historic Annapolis Foundation, welcomed the new U.S. citizens and offered each one complimentary membership in the foundation.

He noted Paca House was the home of William Paca, one of four Marylanders to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Speaking on behalf of the Maryland Governor and Lt. Governor, Kevin McGuire, Executive Director of Maryland's Family Investment Administration, urged his listeners to "take part in your community. Be sure to vote."

"You've brought the best to help us be the best," he said.

"Today, America's past meets its future," declared an emotional Pat Hatch, Program Manager of the Maryland Office for New Americans.

Quoting former president George H.W. Bush, she said: "Immigration is not just a link to America's past: but also a bridge to its future."

She noted that 683,000 people in the state of Maryland were born in other countries and that immigrants are much more likely to start their own businesses.

"Don't be satisfied with 30-second sound bites from candidates; listen to C-SPAN. Make time to attend a voters' forum. Pick up non-partisan pamphlets from the League of Women Voters," she advised the audience. "Elections for government officials are much more important than 'American Idol.'"

That brought a knowing chuckle from just about everyone.

Wendi Winters is a freelance writer living on the Broadneck Peninsula.