Arnold Schwarzenegger Honors George Washington and Welcomes 100 New Citizens at Mount Vernon on July 4
“I always considered President Washington the first American Action Hero,” said Schwarzenegger after laying a wreath at the Founding Father’s tomb
MOUNT VERNON, VA – On July 4, 2025, Arnold Schwarzenegger, actor and former California governor, delivered a powerful keynote address at a naturalization ceremony held at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, where 100 immigrants from across the globe were sworn in as new U.S. citizens. Before the ceremony, Schwarzenegger joined Dr. Douglas Bradburn, President and CEO of Mount Vernon, in a wreath-laying ceremony at George Washington’s tomb, calling the nation’s first president “the first American action hero.”
During the tribute, Bradburn reflected on Washington’s legacy, noting that “250 years ago yesterday,” Washington took command of the Continental Army besieging British forces in Boston. He described Washington as “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen,” emphasizing the founding father’s critical role in securing American independence and establishing a revolutionary model of self-governance. “The people could rule themselves,” Bradburn said, “without a monarch, a pope, or a patriarch.” He added that Washington remains beloved worldwide, with tens of millions having visited his tomb to pay their respects.
After Bradburn’s remarks, Schwarzenegger reflected on his own immigrant journey and the deep personal meaning of participating in the ceremony as a naturalized U.S. citizen, celebrating the enduring ideals of freedom, opportunity, and the immigrant spirit that define the American experience.
Schwarzenegger came to the United States over 50 years ago from Austria, becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1983. He went on to have a career in bodybuilding and as an actor, starring in major film roles like The Terminator (1984), Twins (1988) with Danny Devito, and Kindergarten Cop (1990). Despite his achievements, Schwarzenegger stated, “when I came to this country 57 years ago, not in my wildest dreams, and I had wild dreams, did I think that one day I [would] be asked to lay a wreath at George Washington’s tomb. And also to be asked to do the keynote speech at this very important ceremony, where we will be swearing in 100 immigrants today to become American citizens.” Schwarzenegger concluded his speech by saying, “I always considered President Washington as the first American Action Hero.”
100 Immigrants and their families gathered on the front lawn of George Washington’s Mount Vernon for the July 4th swearing-in ceremony of new U.S. citizens. Douglas Bradburn, President and CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, opened the ceremony, stating, “250 years ago yesterday, George Washington took command of a brand new thing called the American Army, to begin the fight that would ultimately lead to the independence of this nation. It was also the first step in an ongoing effort to create a new people out of diverse elements.”
Bradburn enthusiastically concluded his welcoming remarks by telling all 100 immigrants and their families “today you’re going to recreate the revolutionary action of Americas founding generation to freely choose to become part of a new nation, the United States of America. There could be no more of an appropriate place for a ceremony such as this than at the home of our country’s most famous founding father.” After Bradburn’s welcoming remarks and the Oath of Allegiance, Arnold Schwarzenegger took to the stage to proudly welcome all the new U.S. citizens and their families.
Schwarzenegger started his keynote speech by jokingly saying, “I’ve decided that in my next movie I am going to play George Washington…and Danny Devito will play Jefferson. I have a better idea, Mrs. Washington.” The audience cheered and laughed with excitement. Schwarzenegger then welcomed all new U.S. citizens and their families by telling them, “we are here to recognize what you have overcome, what you have achieved.” For Schwarzenegger, the Naturalization ceremony represents “a great gift, and that gift is to be part of this very meaningful ceremony.” Schwarzenegger himself became an American citizen in September of 1983. Schwarzenegger sympathized with all 100 new U.S. citizens and their families by stating, “I know the relief that you must feel today. Some of you have escaped from very harsh circumstances.” He then relayed this feeling of relief by recounting the story of Harriet Tubman escaping from slavery to freedom. For Schwarzenegger, Tubman’s story is one that has captivated him for many years. According to Schwarzenegger:
“I’ve always loved what Harriet Tubman said about escaping from slavery to freedom. She said when I found that I had crossed that line, I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person. There was such a glory of everything, the sun came like gold through trees and over the fields, and it felt like I was in heaven. Today, at least for a few hours, I hope that you feel a glory over everything.” — Arnold Schwarzenegger at Mount Vernon Naturalization Ceremony
Schwarzenegger recalled his feelings of glory when he came to America by remembering the generosity of bodybuilders who brought utensils, pillow cases, bed sheets, and a black and white TV. He said, “It was a parade of generosity turning my bare immigrant apartment into a home. That is a generosity I will never forget.” In return for the kindness he received when he first arrived in America, Schwarzenegger has been buying and handing out turkeys at the youth center in East Los Angeles, California, for the last 30 years. He has been involved with Special Olympics and became the national and international coach for the Special Olympians.
Additionally, during the Bush administration, Schwarzenegger accepted the position of Chairman of the President’s Council of Physical Fitness and Sports. He traveled to all 50 states to public schools to promote exercise and fitness to young children. He then started after-school programs, promoted anti-drug, anti-gang, and anti-violence campaigns for youth all over the United States. Schwarzenegger then went on to become the 38th governor of the state of California.
But despite all of his successes, Schwarzenegger credits the actions he took to become successful. According to Schwarzenegger, immigrants are a perfect example of this because “Immigrants are action heroes.” He further encouraged all attendees to get involved in their community by starting small and being persistent.
As an up-and-coming actor in the film industry, Schwarzenegger was very persistent. He recalled that numerous agents and studio execs rejected him because of his accent and his last name. Nevertheless, Schwarzenegger persisted and decided to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. He took numerous acting classes, English classes, speech classes, dialogue classes… and “accent removal classes.” But for Schwarzenegger, “an accent is nothing to be ashamed of, it is a memory of your past, it is telling a story. America needs your story. To be an American, you do not have to fit into a box.” Schwarzenegger concluded his address by telling his new fellow Americans, “no matter how hard or difficult a time we go through in America, we always pull out of it. America needs your strong immigrant spirit right now!”
The ceremony concluded with an address by “General Washington” welcoming all new U.S. citizens home and vocalist Jessica Lynn singing “God Bless America.”
