The New Nation - Internet Edition

Agency, Washington

Describing America "a melting pot of cultures" from across the world, President George W Bush welcomed 72 new citizens from 30 countries, including India, on the occasion of the US Independence Day.

Among those sworn in as US citizens, six were from India, said Wayne Mogielnicki, the spokesman of Monticello in Virginia, where Bush made his final Independence Day appearance yesterday before the expiry of his tenure in January 2009.

There were originally seven persons from India on the list but one did not show up, Mogielnicki told newsmen.

"We also honour Jefferson's legacy by welcoming newcomers to our land. And that is what we're here to celebrate today," Bush said referring to former President Thomas Jefferson, the principle author of the US declaration for independence. Monticello was Jefferson's estate.

Throughout the history of the US, immigrants from around the world set sail to its shores, he said adding, "these immigrants have helped transform 13 small colonies into a great and growing nation of more than 300 people."

"They made America a melting pot of cultures from all across the world. They made diversity one of the great strengths of our democracy. And all of us here today are here to honour and pay tribute to that great notion of America."

He said those taking the oath of citizenship represent many different ethnicities and races and religions, but have "one thing in common, and that is a shared love of freedom".

"This love of liberty is what binds our nation together, and this is the love that makes us all Americans," Bush said going on to single out a man from Myanmar who joined the growing ranks of American citizens.

"One man with special appreciation for liberty is Mai Eso from Burma. As a member of the Shan ethnic group, Mai faced discrimination and oppression at the hands of Burma's military junta. When he tried to teach local villagers how to read and write the Shan language, the regime interrogated him and harassed him," the US President said.

"In 2000, he left a life of fear for a life of freedom. He now works as a painter in the Charlottesville community. Today we welcome this brave immigrant as a citizen-to-be of the United States of America," Bush said. "I'm sure there are other stories like Mai's among you,"

Bush said the desire for freedom burns inside every man and woman and child.

"More than two centuries ago, this desire of freedom had inspired the subjects of a mighty empire to declare themselves free and independent citizens of a new nation. Today, that same desire for freedom has inspired 72 immigrants from around the world to become citizens of the greatest nation on earth, the United States of America," he said.