Seven years ago Ciccio took his first flight ever to NYC. He didn't know a drop of English, but he was anxious to see what was out there. Today with his daughter cheering him on, he stood up in the courtroom and said, "My name is Francesco Todisco. I was born in Italy and I'm proud to be an American."Most of us can't imagine what it's like to start over in another country, learning the language, culture and leaving family and friends behind. It was a moving service watching Ciccio and other new citizens take their oath from Somalia, Mexico, China, South America, Iran and more. I've actually never been so proud of America when I witnessed that diversity and the hopes on all their faces.
It was a long, expensive and stressful journey for Ciccio and the others to get to that moment. We must never forget that we are a country of immigrants who have come together for peace and prosperity. I don't know what the future will hold for our little family, but I'm glad he has opened my eyes to the real America and made my dreams come true!
