Narciso Serradel Sevilla (1843-1910), a native of Alvarado, Veracruz, Mexico, was both a doctor and a composer. During the war against the French-sponsored Mexican Emperor Maximiliano, Serradel fought against the French Imperial troops alongside General Zaragoza. He was taken prisoner during the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, and deported to France. He is most famous for his popular song of farewell, "La Golondrina". This song is a favorite of expatriate Mexicans, who, like the wandering swallow in the song, shed a tear when they think of their homeland far away. It is often requested at the funerals of Mexican-Americans.