Speeches

George Washington Ball
Remarks by Ambassador Patricia L. Herbold
March 3, 2007

Thank you, Jack, for that kind introduction.  It is my pleasure to join you all this evening for the 74th annual George Washington Ball.  And I’m delighted that Bob is in town this year for this lovely evening.

I’d like to start by thanking Brewerkz, UPS, UniGroup WorldWide Asia, Michelangelo’s, Harry’s Bar, Glenn Defense Marine, and Parkway Holdings, the generous sponsors without whom this evening would not be possible.

The American Association promotes friendship and understanding between the American community and all other nationalities in Singapore.  To the American community and our friends here tonight, thank you for joining us this evening to celebrate the birthday of the first American president, George Washington.

2007 marks the 90th anniversary of the founding of the American Association – congratulations on achieving this remarkable milestone.  Ninety years ago, no one could have imagined what the American community in Singapore would be like today.  In 1917, the world was unsettled -- the United States declared war on Germany and the Bolshevik revolution ignited.  Singapore had experienced a mutiny by a regiment of Sepoys in 1915, there were the beginnings of political ferment, and the economic outlook was distinctly uncertain.  But the forces of optimism that helped create modern Singapore were at work even then.  Votes in Singapore's future included the opening of the first Cold Storage store, the first meeting of a Girl Guides' Brownie pack on Pulau Ubin, and the establishment of the American Association by a group of forward-thinking businessmen.

As you know, there is a worthy cause associated with all the fun tonight.  This year the George Washington Ball is assisting Food from the Heart.  Henry and Christine Laimer founded this terrific organization in 2003 to distribute leftover bread, channeling unsold bread from bakeries and hotels to welfare organizations, needy families and individuals.  Food from the Heart has expanded in the last three years to include activities such as distributing toys gathered by children for less-advantaged children.  The Food from the Heart trailer truck filled with toys has supplanted Santa’s sleigh in the hearts of many Singaporean children.  Thank you, Henry and Christine.

Thank you for your support of tonight’s event, and of the American community throughout the year.  The American community makes Bob and me feel right at home, and it’s an honor to represent our community as Ambassador.

Thank you, and have a most enjoyable evening.