U.S. District Judge Maury Hicks will administer the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the 34 soon-to-be American citizens. The Western District of Louisiana stretches all the way from Shreveport-Bossier City to Monroe, Alexandria, and Lafayette. Those taking the oath come from the 23 countries listed below.
Canada
China
Germany
Vietnam
Cambodia
Morocco
Laos
Tunisia
Philippines
India
Mexico
Yemen
South Korea
Eswatini
Kenya
Belarus
Brazil
Jamaica
Bulgaria
United Kingdom
Dominican Republic
Mali
Turkiye
The events, hosted by KTBS 3's Jan Elkins and Rick Rowe, get underway at 2 p.m. at The Strand Theatre with a special performance by The Victory Belles and a number of guest speakers, all courtesy of sponsor AEP SWEPCO.
The swearing-in begins promptly at 3 p.m. It’s free and open to the public. If you can't make it there in person, it will be livestreaming on KTBS+.
There are a few rules you should know about if you plan on attending. No bags larger than 9-by-12 inches, no weapons, illegal drugs, paraphernalia or tobacco, no outside food or beverages, and no strollers or wagons.
About the Victory Belles
The Victory Belles are a delightful vocal trio performing the music of the 1940s, serenading audiences at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans and across the globe.
The music of that era brought hope and joy to our GIs and those on the Home Front alike — and the Victory Belles keep that tradition alive in rich, three-part harmony. Their repertoire includes all the treasured gems of the WWII era, plus patriotic classics, including a musical salute to each branch of the U.S. armed forces.
The Belles performing this year include Keyara Milliner, Chloé Marie Johnson, and Breanna Collier.
About Freedom Fest Finale
As always, we'll be celebrating Independence Day on July 4 in grand style from five locations across the ArkLaTex, complete with top-notch entertainment and simultaneous, massive fireworks displays. They include Downtown Shreveport, South Bossier Park, Cypress Lake, Lake Claiborne, and stretching into Texas in Jefferson and Longview.
The live programming schedule for such a monumental event is tricky at best. After months of careful planning, the America 250 and Freedom Fest Finale schedules are set, though subject to change.
ABC & KTBS 3
Friday 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.: America the Beautiful
Friday 10 p.m. - 10:35 p.m.: KTBS 3 Local News
Friday 10:35 p.m. - 12:07 a.m.: Party Across America / Special edition of ABC's Nightline
Saturday 12:07 a.m. - 4 a.m.: GMA 50 States in 50Weeks with live events from around the country, including New Orleans.
Saturday 4 a.m. - 6 a.m.: Dawn in America
Saturday 6 a.m. - 9 a.m.: GMA Special Edition
Saturday 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Hometown and Heroes
Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Saturday 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.: 7 Wonders of America
Saturday 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Dreamers and Innovators
Saturday 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.: SportsCenter Special Edition
Saturday 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.: World News Tonight Special Edition
Saturday 7 p.m. - Live Freedom Fest Finale coverage begins.
Saturday 9:30 p.m. - The largest fireworks show in the ArkLaTex from multiple locations.
Saturday 10 p.m. - KPXJ coverage concludes and begins on KTBS 3 until 11 p.m.
Remember, when you're on the go, KTBS+ is your connection with KTBS 3 and KPXJ CW 21.
For more information and for a schedule of events, go to KTBS.com/FreedomFest. Once again, the series is brought to you by the City of Shreveport, Shreveport Downtown Development, the Bossier Parish Police Jury, and the Caddo Parish Commission. Special thanks to Herbert’s Town & County, Simple Church, Kilpatrick's Rose-Neath, and SWEPCO for making the many fireworks shows possible.
As always, we want to see your celebration. Share Your View of the Red, White, and Blue. Send us your photos to pics@KTBS.com or post them to our Facebook page, and to get more eyes on your pictures, be sure to use #KTBSSalutes on social media.
“Patriotism doesn’t have to wait until the Fourth of July. America’s 250th birthday is a once-in-a-generation celebration, and now is the perfect time for all of us to proudly show what this country means to our families and communities,” KTBS 3 Station Manager George Sirven said.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.