Camila Alves McConaughey shared a heartfelt message to her social media followers on Memorial Day.
The model, founder of online community Women of Today and wife of actor Matthew McConaughey celebrated her U.S. citizenship, which she received in 2015.
"Five years ago I was grateful to receive my American citizenship and every day I am proud to be a part of this country," the Brazilian native captioned a post featuring a family photo from the day she became a U.S. citizen.
MORE: Matthew McConaughey shares message of hope amid coronavirus pandemic"For the soldiers and workers who have fought hard for our rights and freedom thank you, today and every day," she added.
In the photo, Alves and McConaughey pose with their children, Levi, who is now 11 years old, Vida, now 10, and Livingston, now 7.
Alves left Brazil when she was 15 years old to pursue a career in modeling in the United States.
On her website, she writes about how she took on many jobs to earn money upon arriving in the U.S. While doing everything from waiting tables to cleaning houses to modeling gigs, she also took English classes.
MORE: Read Matthew McConaughey's full 'GMA' commencement speech to 2020 gradsIn Alves' announcement in August 2015 revealing she earned United States citizenship, she talked about how much the moment meant to her.
"It is with great pride and honor that I am happy to say I now hold an American passport!" she said. "I have so much respect and appreciation for this country."
