Arnold Schwarzenegger : 40th anniversary of becoming an American citizen
Arnold Schwarzenegger, the iconic actor, bodybuilder, and former California governor, is marking a momentous occasion in his life—the 40th anniversary of becoming an American citizen. Born and raised in Austria, Schwarzenegger took to his Instagram page to share a heartfelt video montage that traces his life before and after his arrival in the United States in 1968.
A Journey Worth Celebrating
The video includes cherished photos, among them a proud moment of Schwarzenegger taking the oath of citizenship in 1983. In addition, he shared an excerpt from his speech delivered at the Republican National Convention in 2004, where he credited the United States for helping him achieve his dreams as an immigrant.
In the speech, Schwarzenegger began by addressing the crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York City with a powerful statement: “My fellow Americans, this is an amazing moment for me. To think a once scrawny boy from Austria could grow up to become the governor of the state of California; that is an immigrant’s dream.”
He reminisced about his school days in Austria, where he would daydream about living in America whenever the teacher spoke about the country. The video showcased images of a young Arnold in Austria, adding depth to his narrative.
Proud Moment of Citizenship
The video montage captured the moment when the former bodybuilding champion took the oath of citizenship and proudly displayed the citizenship document. Schwarzenegger shared, “As long as I live, I will never forget the day when I raised my hand for the oath of citizenship. You know how proud I was? I was so proud that I walked around with the American flag wrapped around my shoulder all day long.”
In the images, the Hollywood icon is seen draped in the U.S. flag, wearing an American flag shirt and hat, truly embracing the spirit of his new home.
Dreams Fulfilled in America
Schwarzenegger continued, “Everything about America seemed so big to me; so open; so possible. I finally arrived here in 1968; what a special day it was. I remembered I arrived here with empty pockets but full of dreams, full of determination and full of desire.”
He extended his message to fellow immigrants: “To my fellow immigrants listening tonight, I want you to know how welcomed you are. We encourage your dreams. We believe in your future.” Schwarzenegger expressed his gratitude, saying, “Everything I have, my career, my success, my family, I owe it to America.”
A Proud American
In his Instagram post, the father of five emphasized the significance of the day, stating, “On this day 40 years ago, I became an American citizen. It is one of the proudest days of my life. I owe everything to America. Born in Austria, Made in America!”
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Schwarzenegger’s journey from a champion bodybuilder to a Hollywood legend and then the 38th governor of California is a testament to the opportunities and dreams that America offers. His story is a shining example of the American dream realized through hard work, determination, and unwavering belief.
From winning the Mr. Olympia competition to becoming a global action hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s legacy as an immigrant who achieved greatness in the United States will continue to inspire generations to come.
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