WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — It was packed Monday at the Utah Cultural Center as 89 people representing 36 different countries became new American citizens.

The naturalization ceremony was hosted by Salt Lake County and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The newcomers were encouraged by many of the ceremony's speakers to bring their traditions and celebrate their uniqueness as they embark on their journey now as Americans.

One man remarked from the podium, "This is our country's motto: E Pluribus Unum — out of many, one."

"This is the most important day of my life," Ciria Almanza said.

Almanza said she was elated at becoming a U.S. citizen. She said the process has been long, but worth it.

"I’m so grateful to be a part of this country. I have no words to describe my feelings.

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