Monterey Park Mayor Teresa Real Sebastian, Vice Mayor Anthony Wong, Councilmembers Hans Liang, Peter Chan and Mitch Ing, City Clerk Vince Chang and Assemblymember Ed Chau welcomed new American citizens Bety Alfaro, Jose Luis Alfaro, Letica Cornejo, Goujun Huang, Lien Lam, Ching-Jui Lee, Karl Wong, Liang Zhang, Natalie Wong and Emily Yeh to the Fourth of July celebration.

Monterey Park Mayor Teresa Real Sebastian, Vice Mayor Anthony Wong, Councilmembers Hans Liang, Peter Chan and Mitch Ing, City Clerk Vince Chang and Assemblymember Ed Chau welcomed members of our military families Check, Chen, Fong, Franco, Garcia, Lee, Lu, Siti, Watson, Wu and Young to the Fourth of July celebration.

Dan Costly was the Master of Ceremonies. He welcomed all to our Fourth of July celebration held in Barnes Park.

Mayor Real Sebastian welcomed all to Monterey Park. She asked who was ready for fireworks and barbeque? She is proud to be here today in the great city of Monterey Park. We celebrate our freedoms and rights. Many people are still fighting for their freedoms. She told the story of Uncle Sam and how the name was used on military meat provisions in early America.  Today is in honor US. All of you are welcome. Be safe.

Mayor Pro Tem Wong called out Happy July Fourth. It is the birthday of the greatest country on earth. You make Monterey Park great. Our parks will be upgraded for all of us.  This is the country to enjoy equal opportunity and peace. Enjoy the fireworks.

Councilmember Liang said Happy 4th of July. We celebrate our birthday and celebrate our freedoms. Remember the military who have fought for us for 237 years. He thanked the new citizens for their efforts for success. Happy 4th of July.

Councilmember Chan stated Happy 4th of July it is our country’s birthday. He congratulated the new citizens. It is a great county. He thanked the military members too. It is a great day to celebrate. Enjoy.

Councilmember Ing spoke about the Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York that was on the morning news. There is more to New York. He read the poem from the Statue of Liberty that welcomed all to the United States. Let us remember why you or your families came to America. He asked God’s blessing on America and all.

City Clerk Chang said the 4th of July is a family event. It celebrates all of us in America. He ran his first election on July 2 and was happy to see all of the Asian, European, Middle East and African names on the voter rolls. He thanked everyone for voting. Happy 4th of July.

Assemblymember Chau wished everyone a Happy 4th of July. It is an honor to serve all of you. Remember the military men and women who put their lives on the line for all of us. He asked the new citizens to remember to vote.

Children from the audience flocked to the stage to recite our Pledge of Allegiance with the elected officials.

Members of the Monterey Park Concert Band performed show tunes and patriotic song to the delight of the residents.

The Rudy Macias Band played classic rock and R & B hits which the audience could dance to in front of the stage.

The celebration featured food booths, craft booths and games for the children.  Children of all ages enjoyed blowing bubbles and water balloon toss.

There was face painting and glittery tattoos for all.

Some children carried balloon swords and wore balloon hats.

The birthday party ended with a spectacular fireworks show that lit up the night.

Happy Birthday to US!