Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – For the third time, activities at the Illinois State Fair have included a ceremony to make people American citizens. 

The ceremony was held Wednesday morning at the Orr Building on the fairgrounds.  300 people representing 52 countries from Australia to Vietnam all took their oaths and completed their coursework and paperwork to become citizens legally.

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) told the crowd they have something important to do, now that they’re citizens.

“I want you to speak your mind to your government,” said Duckworth.  “In this country, that is your right — to stand up, and let those in power what you think, and what you want to happen.”

Others suggested one of the things they should do is register to vote right away, and do so, now that they’re citizens.

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Springfield) told the crowd that the ceremony may have felt like crossing a finish line, but it’s quite the opposite.

“Becoming a citizen doesn’t just give you a passport.  It gives you a voice…and a powerful one at that,” said Budzinski, “a voice in your community, your workplace, your schools and, now, in our democracy.”

U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless, as she has before, presided over the ceremony.  She likes this part of her job.

“It’s not every day that I get to see hard work, sacrifice, and pure commitment come to fruition, like it does, and has, for each one of you,” said Lawless.

Lawless said the new citizens are now tasked with carrying Abraham Lincoln’s paraphrased vision for this country forward:  Be proud of the place in which you live, and live so your place will be proud.