As Annapolis slowly stirred to life Thursday morning in preparation for Independence Day, nearly two dozen immigrants hailing from every corner of the planet gathered in the heart of Maryland’s capital city to take the final step toward becoming U.S. citizens.

Shortly before 9 a.m., 22 people from 15 different nations and their friends and relatives crowded into the William Paca House, the historic home to one of Maryland’s four signers of the Declaration of Independence. They entered as citizens from other countries, but they left as Americans ready to celebrate the nation’s birthday.

For Canadian-born Kim Moffett the day held even more significance. The Fourth of July is also her birthday.

“As a little girl, I dreamed of living in America since my birthday is July 4,” Moffett said.

She said she had been seeing fireworks on her birthday ever since moving to the states 26 years ago.

“But now I will celebrate as an American,” the North Bethesda resident said.

Steed Tuopo, born in the West African nation of Cameroon, stood in his Army fatigues and took the official oath of allegiance with his fellow new citizens. Afterward, Tuopo huddled with family and three fellow D.C. National Guard soldiers for photographs.

“I feel, well, pride,” he said. “Just pride.”

Daniel Renaud, an associate director for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, delivered a speech to the 22 immigrants-turned-citizens that carried a message of support that has been largely missing in recent public discourse about immigration.

“We know not the journey that you took. It was probably 22 separate journeys, but they all landed here,” Renaud said. “Everything that is American is now part of who you are ... 243 years ago the birth of this nation envisioned exactly what we are doing here today.”

He spoke of the tradition of giving or receiving gifts on a birthday, America’s birthday.

“In this case, you give and get,” Renaud said. “Today you get the honor of citizenship, the responsibility of citizenship, you get new rights, new freedoms, new opportunities and we invite you to take advantage of all those — run for office, vote, participate in your community. And you can root for Team USA in the World Cup without any guilt.”

But, he said, it is what the new citizens are giving that is just as valuable.

“You are adding to the fabric. You are giving your traditions, your native languages, your art, your dances, your food, especially your food,” he said as the crowd chuckled.

“As you transition to becoming U.S. citizens you don’t lose that,” he said. “Don’t lose who you are. It is who you are that brought you to this place.”

Outside, bunting and flags flew from the front porches of Annapolis homes and businesses. A smattering of tourists took coffee among the chairs and tables set for an alfresco repast as a crew prepared the nearby Harbor Queen for the party boat’s annual fireworks cruise.

Tongwa Aka, a newly sworn U.S. citizen who also came from Cameroon in 2010, said she was thrilled to have completed her nearly decade-long path to citizenship on the Fourth of July.

“It is a very special day to become a citizen, no better day than America’s birthday,” Aka said. “It took a little bit of time. But I am glad it came to this. Now I can finally say, ‘We The People.’”

She added: “I will never forget.”