This Independence Day will be extra special for some Bronx residents who became U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony Wednesday.

About 150 immigrants from over 40 different countries were in high spirits at the Bryant Park New York Public Library as they got sworn in as citizens. To make things even more patriotic, a rare historic copy of the Declaration of Independence that was handwritten by Thomas Jefferson was on display at the ceremony.

One new citizen said she wants to keep her country's cultural traditions alive, and that the Bronx helps her do that. Other Bronx residents said no matter what country they came from, they are proud to live in the borough.