Yannet Coronado holds her son Logan Coronado, 1, during a reception hosted by the city of Bowling Green for new American citizens Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at the Sloan Convention Center. (Miranda Pederson/photo@bgdailynews.com)

Red, white and blue was the dominant color scheme Tuesday evening as the city of Bowling Green recognized dozens of new American citizens.

For the second consecutive year, the city hosted a reception for new American citizens. The first reception in 2015 was at city hall and drew more than 70 new citizens and guests. To accommodate the large turnout, the event was held Tuesday evening at the Sloan Convention Center, and more than 120 people attended to honor about 80 Bowling Green residents who have obtained citizenship in the last two years.

City International Communities Liaison Leyda Becker said those honored “have taken the ultimate oath of allegiance to the U.S.”

Before being recognized with individual certificates by Mayor Bruce Wilkerson and city commissioners, participants recited the Pledge of Allegiance and waved small American flags as the national anthem was sung.

City Manager Kevin DeFebbo then addressed the gathering, saying those who obtain citizenship have to pass many hurdles, an effort that takes “passion, time and dedication.”

To illustrate the process, DeFebbo asked several questions that are on the U.S. citizenship test about government and the Constitution. The new citizens called out all the correct answers to the questions. DeFebbo then said he occasionally teaches courses as Western Kentucky University, and when he asks the college students the same questions, “80 percent flunk,” he said.

DeFebbo said “all of you have a different story of how you came here,” adding that the United States is a country made up of people who wanted to “follow a dream. You have joined that family,” he said.

The city manager urged the new citizens to be involved and engaged in the community by expressing their views, taking advantage of city services, getting to know their neighbors and voting. The latter effort was promoted Tuesday as Kentuckians for the Commonwealth set up a voter registration table at the event. About a dozen new citizens took advantage of the table and registered to vote.

Martha Rios has lived in Bowling Green for nine years since moving here from Colombia. Before the ceremony, said she was glad the effort to gain citizenship was being recognized.

“This is special to be given the opportunity to let people know we work hard” to gain citizenship, said Rios, who became a U.S. citizen earlier this year.

Jejith Alford moved here from the Phillipines seven years ago and obtained her citizenship in December. When asked what she most appreciated about living in the United States, she replied succinctly: “freedom.”

— Follow city government reporter Wes Swietek on Twitter at twitter.com/BGDNgovtbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.