Naturalization ceremonies were held in all 50 states on Thursday in honor of Constitution and Citizenship Day.

Every year, the United States Congress recognizes Sept. 17 to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. The day is used to recognize naturalized American citizens, as they express their pride in obtaining citizenship. It also serves as a day of remembrance of the rights and responsibilities that the Constitution grants to all Americans.

In Billings, Montana, 10 new citizens from different countries took the oath of citizenship and declared their allegiance to the United States of America before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn Ostby at the James F. Battin Courthouse, reports KTVQ.

Judge Ostby also delivered an address to the newly minted Americans, putting emphasis on America's diversity and telling them that they must keep America first.

"We must respect one another and listen to each other. We must remember that as citizens what unites us is greater [than] what divides us. We all must remember to [be] Americans first," she said.

President Barack Obama also launched a new campaign during Constitution Week -- a time to celebrate how the Constitution set the foundation for welcoming new Americans -- to encourage the eligible 8.8 million documented residents living in the United States to become citizens. Altogether, there are about 13.3 million legal permanent residents in the United States, with 8.8 million eligible for citizenship, including 3 million refugees.

The "Stand Stronger" Citizenship Awareness Campaign, which launched on Thursday, aims to encourage those eligible to "take an important step in their American journey and commit to citizenship," according to a statement released by the White House.

"The true strength of a nation lies not in its might but in the courage and conviction of its people," Obama said in a video about the campaign. "If you are eligible, commit to become a citizen today. Help others who are ready to take this step, as well. It is an important step for you, and an important step for our nation. Join us. Together we can make America stand even stronger."