TAMPA, Fla. — Michael Francis has accomplished a lot in the last five years as music director of the Florida Orchestra, but his greatest personal accomplishment came Thursday when he became an American citizen.
- Francis, 61 others became naturalized citizens
- Members of today's group represented 26 different countries
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Francis join 61 other people a tthe immigration office in Tampa to become naturalized citizens.
"My wife is American, my daughter is American, so I wanted share that commonality with them, a nationality," Francis explained. "And living here, working here just seemed a natural extension from having a Green Card. There was no reason for me not to do it."
During the ceremony, which lasted about 45 minutes, Francis was given the honor or leading the group of new citizens in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. It was one of many firsts for him.
"For the first time ever I sung the Star Spangled Banner," said Francis, "so I do feel very touched, very honored, very humbled and very delighted."
The other 61 naturalized citizen at Thursday's ceremony represented 26 different countries.