Mr. Ardian Zika, a Pasco County resident, became a United States Citizen and registered to vote at the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections’ Office on January 16, 2009 in Dade City. Below is a synopsis of a letter he wrote on becoming an American citizen!

“As some of you know, yesterday (December 15, 2008) I had the privilege of taking the US Naturalization Citizenship Test which I successfully passed and I will be taking the oath on January 6, 2009 to become an American. Since this was an emotional and special day for me, I couldn't help it but reflect back on the last eleven years since I began my journey to America.

I immigrated to America at the age of 17, leaving behind my family and a country in the throes of war and political turmoil. That was the most difficult decision in my life. I knew that leaving my close knit family would be hard, but the dream of experiencing hope and freedom was the reality that my family and I desired. My heart fell in love with America during the cold winters of the early 1990’s when America sent humanitarian aid to help people in need in that part of the world. That compassion for life and freedom this beautiful nation brought to my country of childhood helped to keep hope alive in an area of the world torn by evil. I knew that the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave on the other side of the ocean had a purpose in this world. Because of America, nations across the world can keep their hope alive. The reality that was desired in Kosovo began to take shape when American soldiers came to liberate the land from genocide, help quench a nation hungry for more than just food. When the flag of the red, white and blue showed up, Kosovars knew that freedom had arrived. For this, I am eternally grateful.

I'm very thankful to America for accepting as I am and providing me the privilege of being a free man. Giving me the freedom of learning the language, helping me through the steps of what it means to become an American at heart, and comprehending the vision of the founding fathers.”

Sincerely, Ardian