The Fourth of July marked a very important day for more than 20 people at the New York State Fairgrounds as they became naturalized citizens. As our Erin Clarke tells us, the ceremony couldn't have been held on a better day.

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ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- With the celebration of America's independence as the backdrop, Terri Adam became an American citizen.

"This is my home now. This is where my family is and I wanted to be a part of it," Adam said.

Adam joined more than 20 others who adopted America as home at a naturalization ceremony that was part of July 4th festivities at the New York State Fairgrounds.

"You couldn't ask for a better day to do it. It's important for all Americans, but especially when you look in the eyes of these 22 that are going to be citizens today, it is very, very moving," said Patrick Marthage, Oneida County Public Defender’s Office Chief Appellate Counsel.

They hailed from 18 different countries. Some refugees, grateful that America welcomed them with open arms.

"What we've been through. Passed through the war. Running up and down and the lord has made things safe for me to become a citizen. That is very great," Rebecca Daye said.

And to some, the accomplishment of becoming a citizen means something extra special to their family as well.

"She's pregnant with my American child. We have another American child and I've adopted another child and this has just become one big family," said Ben Adam, 10th Mountain Division Chief Foreign Officer II.

It's a big step for this group who now will enrich and become part of our country as it celebrates 236 years of freedom.