Press Releases

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 4 /PRNewswire/ -- In a stirring celebration of citizenship, more than 1,000 immigrants gathered on Main Street, U.S.A. early Friday to be "sworn in" as American citizens.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/disney/38968/

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090703/DC41955)

And then, as the country kicked off Independence Day weekend, these brand-new Americans attended a premiere performance of the newest Walt Disney World attraction, a "re-Imagineered" Hall of Presidents now featuring a lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure of President Barack Obama.

From more than 100 countries and ranging in age from 18 to 82, the immigrants took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States during a morning ceremony jointly hosted by Disney Parks and Resorts and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

USCIS's highest-ranking official, Acting Deputy Director Michael Aytes, presided over the ceremony on the forecourt of Cinderella Castle. The event featured a welcoming address by Walt Disney World Resort President Meg Crofton, the presentation of the colors, the national anthem, the Oath of Allegiance and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Actor Andy Garcia - a naturalized citizen himself - delivered a keynote address during the ceremony. Garcia, originally from Cuba, is an acclaimed actor known for roles in films as diverse as "The Untouchables," "The Godfather: Part III" and "Ocean's Eleven." The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tampa-based Senior Airman Brenda Langdon of the U.S. Air Force, an immigrant from Columbia who became a United States citizen during the ceremony.

"This year, Disney parks are asking our visitors 'What Will You Celebrate?'," said Walt Disney World Resort President Meg Crofton in her welcoming address. "And on a weekend when our entire nation celebrates its independence, we are honored to host - and celebrate - 1,000 individuals who are embracing American citizenship."

To cap a star-spangled morning, the new citizens and their family members previewed the Hall of Presidents attraction - which reopens July 4 in the Liberty Square area of Magic Kingdom. The attraction has been closed since Election Day last November for a makeover that included installation of a lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure based on President Obama.

The figure of the country's 44th chief executive - which comes to life with recognizable mannerisms and makes comments that were recorded recently at the White House - is part of an eight-month makeover so significant that the iconic attraction has been retitled The Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty's Leaders. Other updates to the re-Imagineered attraction which has been entertaining Magic Kingdom guests since 1971:

    --  A re-programmed Abraham Lincoln delivers arguably the greatest speech in
        the history of the presidency - the Gettysburg Address.
    --  For the first time in the attraction's history, George Washington
        stands and delivers a stirring speech.

    --  Developed with the assistance of Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris
        Kearns Goodwin, the show now tells a moving story of the bond between
        the presidents and "We, the People," focusing on the chief
        executives who have guided America through trying, turbulent times.

"Our goal with every major Disney attraction is to completely immerse our guests in a compelling story," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "The stories associated with the American presidency are some of the most engaging and relevant our guests will hear while they are with us. And, like all great stories, these stories inspire, motivate and teach us to appreciate the challenges and personal triumph that comes with overcoming adversity."

Presentations of the Hall of Presidents show will take place daily beginning July 4 and are included with Magic Kingdom admission. For video of President Obama in the White House Map Room recording his audio track for the Hall of Presidents attraction, consumers may visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/.

SOURCE Walt Disney World Resort

ROSWELL, N.M., July 4 /PRNewswire/ -- It's been famous for over 60 years as the preferred destination of extraterrestrials, but on July 3 the town of Roswell was invaded by... monsters! B.O.B., the breakout star of DreamWorks Animation's smash hit Monsters vs. Aliens, patrolled the Roswell UFO Festival to protect the planet and keep an eye out for invading aliens. The Monsters vs. Aliens DVD and Blu-ray will arrive on Earth September 29, 2009 and will include the world premiere of the brand new 3D adventure B.O.B.'s Big Break, starring everyone's favorite gelatinous hero.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090703/LA41963 )

SOURCE DreamWorks Animation

WASHINGTON, July 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090226/CENSUSLOGO)

SATURDAY, JULY 4: INDEPENDENCE DAY

Profile America -- Saturday, July 4th. Today is that most American of holidays -- Independence Day, celebrating the day in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Across the country, there will be parades, concerts, barbeques, and, of course, fireworks. Biwabik, Minnesota, will see its normal population of 1,000 swell 15 times for its annual parade. The world's greatest lizard race will be held in Lovington, New Mexico and in Lavallette, New Jersey, a band will play along with a huge fireworks display, watched by thousands from their boats. Shortly after the U.S. gained its independence, the median age of its population was around 16. Now, the median age is the highest in history -- almost 37 years. Profile America is in its 13th year as a public services of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2009, p.345

Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970, p. 19

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2009, t. 7

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look under the "Newsroom" button).

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau

ST. PAUL, Minn., July 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today welcomed the decision of a fireworks retailer in Wisconsin to withdraw a product called "Run Hadji Run," which was deemed offensive by local Muslims.

["Hadji" is an honorific term for those who have completed the pilgrimage to Mecca, but it has often been used as a derogatory term by U.S. soldiers during the Iraq War.]

One side of the fireworks shows a picture of Arabs and Muslims riding camels with a bomber overhead. On the other side, there is what appears to be Uncle Sam pulling the long beard of a man in traditional Muslim attire.

SEE: Run Hadji Run

http://www.redrhinofireworks.com/itemview.aspx?ID=CD-2881

ALSO SEE: http://img.moonbuggy.org/run-hadji-run/

After being contacted by CAIR-MN, the company agreed to remove the product from its shelves.

SEE: Racist Fireworks Found Being Sold in Wis. (KSTP-TV)

http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1011199.shtml?cat=206

"We appreciate the quick response of the retailer to Muslim concerns and hope that everyone can enjoy the July 4th holiday in an inclusive environment," said CAIR-MN Communications Director Jessica Zikri.

Zikri added that the Muslim civil rights and advocacy group has contacted the distributors, Missouri-based Red Rhino Fireworks, to take similar action and withdraw the product from sales in other areas of the country.

On Saturday, July 4th, the Tampa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Tampa) will join with local Muslims in the 2009 Temple Terrace 4th of July Parade to honor and celebrate our nation's independence.

"Part of CAIR's mission is to build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. I cannot think of a better way to express this, than to be a part of a celebration honoring our nation's independence," said CAIR-Tampa Executive Director Ramzy Kilic. "We all must value the freedom, tolerance and justice America offers to us all. This is what it means to be an American."

WHAT: Tampa-area Muslims to join parade in celebration of Independence Day

WHEN: Saturday July 4th, 10 a.m.

WHERE: 113th Avenue -- Temple Terrace, FL -- Unit Section 38 B. For more information on the 2009 Temple Terrace 4th of July Parade, please visit: http://templeterracechamber.com/

CONTACT: CAIR-Tampa Executive Director Ramzy Kilic, 813-486-2529, 813-514-1414, E-Mail: rkilic@cair.com

CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR-MN Communications Director Jessica Zikri, 612-226-3289, E-Mail: jzikri@cair.com; CAIR-MN Civil Rights Director Taneeza Islam, Esq., 651-587-4712, E-Mail: tislam@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations

MILWAUKEE, Wis., July 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Hupy & Abraham, S.C. is continuing its motorcycle safety awareness campaign with an important reminder for all motorists to share the road during the upcoming 4th of July holiday weekend.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090703/CG41956)

"It is our hope that everyone enjoys a safe riding season in 2009 and that motorists share the road with motorcyclists," said Attorney Michael F. Hupy. "With even more people on the road during holidays such as the 4th of July, it is especially important for everyone on the road to be aware and take responsibility for their actions."

In connection with Hupy & Abraham, S.C.' s motorcycle awareness message for the 4th of July holiday, former Wisconsin State Senator Dave Zien will begin his latest motorcycle journey to achieve yet another riding record. Zien has broken 118 motorcycle riding records on his 1991 Harley-Davidson FXRT, most recently becoming the first person to ride one million miles on the same Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Zien will make the first major trip on his new Harley-Davidson motorcycle this weekend, riding from Key West, Florida to Proudhon Bay, Alaska and back within 11 days.

Zien will be departing from Key West at 4:00 a.m. on July 4 for his 11-day journey to Proudhon Bay and will be traveling over 1,000 miles per day. Those interested can visit the Hupy & Abraham Web site to view a live map tracking Dave Zien's progress on his latest ride. For more information, please visit www.hupy.com.

About Hupy & Abraham, S.C.

Hupy & Abraham, S.C. is a personal injury law firm offering a proven record of success with large settlements in serious cases. Hupy & Abraham, S.C. is decades old, and has office locations throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. The firm is committed to giving back to the community, supporting many worthwhile causes including America's Second Harvest of Wisconsin, the YMCA, Boy Scouts, various scholarship programs and safety programs for motorcyclists. For more information on Hupy & Abraham please visit www.hupy.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Marie Maas, 414-390-5500

SOURCE Hupy & Abraham, S.C.