By Hadas Kuznits

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A 102-year-old man who immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in 1999 today got his American citizenship in Philadelphia.

Chat Tran’s grandson and great-grandson were with him at his naturalization ceremony today.

“Our whole family’s very proud, and we were cheering him on when we left the house,” says great-grandson Chris, “and we cheered him good luck and everything.  He has been looking forward to this for a very, very long time.”

Chris says the whole family pitched in to help Chat reach this milestone.

“The family helped a lot — like, my dad prepared the paperwork for his grandpa, and my uncle took time to drive us here, and we prepared really well,” he told KYW Newsradio.  “And we’re preparing a surprise party for him for when we get home.”

Chris says the ceremony was particularly special for his great-grandfather — it was held on his 102nd birthday.

Chris’ father, Tony, points out that Chat Tran at 102 is extremely healthy.

“He’s here since 1999 — he’s never been in the hospital once!”