THE CROWDS have thinned a little on county beaches but Michigan’s shore. This photo was taken looking north from Empire Beach. The public is invited to attend as 27 people from all over world are sworn in as United States citizens in a ceremony being held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Maritime Museum in Glen Haven. New citizens will be converging on Leelanau County from 21 different countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia and Europe.

For the past several years, the National Park Service has partnered with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to enhance naturalization ceremonies by holding them in places across the country that showcase spectacular backdrops of scenic beauty and preserve our rich cultural heritage. New citizens have taken the Oath of Allegiance by the Statue of Liberty, in Yosemite Valley, on the rim of the Grand Canyon, and at Independence Hall. Now, for the first time, new citizens will be sworn in on the shores of Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

“What better place to be sworn in as a new citizen of the United States than in one of our incredible national parks?” asked Dusty Shultz, superintendent of the National Lakeshore. “These historic and picturesque sites provide an ideal backdrop for citizenship ceremonies, and they are places where everyone can learn about and reflect on their American identity and the responsibilities of citizenship.”

Shultz will speak at the event, as well as Mick Dedvukaj, district director of USCIC. U.S. Magistrate Judge Ellen S. Carmody will preside over the ceremony. Boy Scout Troop 115 from Acme and Girl Scout Troop 440 from Traverse City will present the colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Refreshments will be served by members of the Central Methodist Church in Traverse City and Susan Pocklington, soloist from Empire, will sing the National Anthem. Park Rangers and volunteers will staff the museum and offer trip planning assistance to the newly sworn-in Americans and their families.