2026 KTBS Freedom Fest Naturalization Ceremony
FREE ADMISSION
Dreams will become reality on Thursday as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services presents 34 candidates to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana during a special Naturalization Celebration. It’s all part of the 2026 KTBS 3 Freedom Fest Series and celebration of America 250. U.S. District Judge Maury Hicks will administer the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the 34 soon-to-be American citizens. The Western District of Louisiana stretches all the way from Shreveport-Bossier City to Monroe, Alexandria, and Lafayette. Those taking the oath come from 23 different countries. The events, hosted by KTBS 3’s Jan Elkins and Rick Rowe, get underway at 2 p.m. at The Strand Theatre with a special performance by The Victory Belles and a number of guest speakers. The swearing-in begins promptly at 3 p.m. It’s free and open to the public. If you can’t make it there in person, it will be livestreaming on KTBS+.
About the Victory Belles
The Victory Belles are a delightful vocal trio performing the music of the 1940s, serenading audiences at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans and across the globe. The music of that era brought hope and joy to our GIs and those on the Home Front alike — and the Victory Belles keep that tradition alive in rich, three-part harmony. Their repertoire includes all the treasured gems of the WWII era, plus patriotic classics, including a musical salute to each branch of the U.S. armed forces. The Belles performing this year include Keyara Milliner, Chloé Marie Johnson, and Breanna Collier.