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100 New Citizens Sworn In On Same Day As Miami Beach's Birthday

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- It was a proud day on South Beach Wednesday as 100 new American citizens were sworn in.

The ceremony coincided with Miami Beach's birthday celebration. It's a party that wraps up with a big concert on the beach Thursday night.

There was a patriotic feel as 100 new U.S. citizens took the oath of citizenship on the beach off Ocean Drive.

The new Americans include Anselma Moreno-Moody who came to the U.S. from Nicaragua.

"We came to the great America and we found opportunity and now we want to contribute to its greatness as well," said Moreno-Moody.

Moline Monquier came from Haiti.

"I feel good especially because its 100 years of Miami Beach and we can contribute to its greatness," said Monquier.

The new Americans learned Miami Beach incorporated, back in 1915, gained a reputation as a fun in the sun vacation destination and grew to be a glitzy hot spot that attracts millions of international visitors every year. Many of them who choose to stay.

"We represent people from all over the world coming here to dream, ideas visions opportunities," said Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine.

Mayor Levine said Miami Beach's diversity, seen in Wednesday's ceremony is worth celebrating along with the 100-year birthday party.

"I think we have a virtual U.N. here, but remember, now it's all about one country the U.S.," said Mayor Levine.

Click here to watch Eliott Rodriguez's report. 

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