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Notes from the Under Dog L.'s avatar

What a potent honor and testimony to your cultural contributions!

Likewise, my partner, whose parents shipped him out of Venezuela when Chavez took over, just became a naturalized citizen of the United States along with about 100 others that day. It was touching to observe him studying the constitution, etc. For a while after the ceremony, he would inject “as a US citizen” into every opportunity!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Bravo!!

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Susan Wyler's avatar

What a great and deserved honor! And you look lovely in red.

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Simone's avatar

How wonderful for you, Frances, and such a moving recount of the day for you! I loved reading the account of your day and seeing the photos! Congratulations, Citizen Frances Mayes of two countries now!

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Suzanne Uttaro Samuels's avatar

What a bittersweet moment it must have been when the band played the Star Spangled Banner. Thank you for posting this — we’re so divided in this country, but still yearn for the kind of belonging we were promised.

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Sally's avatar

Your red dress was perfect!

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Cristina Williams's avatar

Many congratulations!! Wow, what an honor!

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Dee Dee Acquisto's avatar

Augurissimi!

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Lisa Wagner's avatar

So wonderful! Glad to read this today.

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Jeff Minnich's avatar

You look marvelous and so happy! Auguri e amore, J & S

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Mark Fresolone's avatar

Frances, I am humbled to have this opportunity to heartily congratulate you, and tell you how very proud we are of you for this spectacular honor! Thank you for the pictures!

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Christina Mc's avatar

Tanti auguri! You are an inspiration for so many. And you are always so kind and generous when it comes to sharing information about Italy, whether it be through your books or personal inquiries. Grazie. My dream is to follow in your footsteps one day and make Italy my second home - along with my first home here on our North Carolina!

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Kathy McCabe's avatar

You’ve fed so many of our dreams. It was a great honor to celebrate with you. Viva Frances! Viva l’italia!

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Linda Bailey's avatar

What a great honor. Please don't forget to come back across the pond.

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Tania Barker's avatar

What an evening! What a life! ❤️💚

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Eileen Rosnick's avatar

Congratulations, Frances! An honor that is well-deserved and surely appreciated by you. I hope you will receive an Italian passport which I worked for , but could not accomplish. You must be very proud.

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