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Arnold Schwarzenegger welcomed 100 new American citizens at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate on Independence Day, celebrating the determination that carried them from 95 countries to the United States.

The former California governor, who emigrated from Austria and became a U.S. citizen in 1983, delivered the keynote address during Mount Vernon’s annual naturalization ceremony.

“When I came to this country 57 years ago, not in my wildest dreams — and I had wild dreams — did I think that one day this immigrant would be asked to place a wreath at the tomb of George Washington and to give the keynote address at this very important ceremony,” Schwarzenegger said.

Before the ceremony, he laid a custom-designed wreath at Washington’s tomb and called the nation’s first president “America’s first action hero.”

Schwarzenegger then applied the same label to the country’s newest citizens, saying their journeys required courage and perseverance.

“You don’t need the special effects of Hollywood to be an action hero,” he said. “Immigrants are action heroes. It took action to get here. It took struggle to get here. And today your feet are firmly planted in America.”

The ceremony was part of Mount Vernon’s slate of historical programs and activities marking the nation’s 249th birthday.

Doug Bradburn, president and CEO of Mount Vernon, said the holiday represents more than a moment in the country’s past. He pointed to Washington’s leadership of the Continental Army and service as the first U.S. president, saying his commitment to liberty helped transform independence into an enduring democracy.

Schwarzenegger told the new citizens that America had given him “limitless opportunities” and encouraged them to pursue their ambitions while serving their communities.

“The day I raised my right hand and became an American citizen was, without a doubt, one of the greatest days of my life,” he said. Standing at the home of one of his heroes 43 years later, he described participating in the ceremony as a gift.

He also urged the group to consider what they could contribute in return for the opportunities citizenship provides.

“I hope that you accept the responsibility to give something back, to give of yourself to something beyond yourself,” Schwarzenegger said.

At the same time, he encouraged the new Americans to preserve and share the cultures, memories and accents that reflect where they came from.

“The accent is nothing to be ashamed of,” he said. “It is a memory of your past, it is telling a story.”

Schwarzenegger closed by telling the citizens that their experiences and immigrant drive are valuable to the country.

“America needs your story. America needs your strong immigrant spirit,” he said. “You don’t just deserve to be an American, you are needed here.”