A 101-year old man from Phoenix, Arizona realized a lifelong dream Saturday when he was awarded legal American citizenship.

The first centenarian to become an American citizenship in the state, Vicente Osorio Rios achieved his legal citizen status at a local court, in a ceremony witnessed by family members that altogether spanned three generations.

"It's a dream come true," said Rios, according to the UPI. After the statement, he reportedly raised the American flag, placed his had over his heart, and walked back to his chair.

Rios reportedly prepared for weeks for the citizenship, after failing a mandatory test he took ten years ago.

"My mom quizzed him every day for weeks," said granddaughter Valdivia, 30.

The naturalization also gave peace to concerns regarding matters of illegal residence within the United States.

"He understands what is going on. He reads quite a bit," Dr. Raul Osario, Rios's son, told the Arizona Republic. "Now, he doesn't have to worry about it."

The ceremony concluded with Rios being surrounded by relatives embracing and kissing him.

Rios reportedly came to the country from Peru in 1982, and had been living with his daughter in Mesa since then.