30 people celebrate America's birthday by becoming U.S. citizens | News

STILLWATER - Musket fire rings out here like it did more than 230 years ago.

Not unlike the important battles that were waged in Saratoga, today was a turning point for people who came from all over the world.

On America's birthday, on this hallowed ground where America fought for its independence, they became this country's newest citizens and pledged their allegiance to our flag.

There were thirty new citizens sworn in. They come from places like Brazil, Thailand and Greece, but now, they're all Americans.

The timing was especially interesting for Adam Collett, who was born and raised in the country the colonies declared their independence from.

"America's a long-standing ally, through two world wars and all that. It's a good relationship now on a turbulent past, I suppose," said Collett, shortly after becoming an American citizen.

For Ricardo Thompson of Jamaica, who's now living in Rotterdam Junction, American citizenship brings the promise of a better life.

"I'm looking forward to have a better life, a better job, and be a good American citizen," he said.