Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the Montgomery Sister Cities Annual Meeting
Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring
As prepared
Good evening, and thank you for being here tonight! Buenas noches!
I have long believed that diversity is one of Montgomery County’s greatest strengths. People from different cultures with different experiences help to make Montgomery County a better, stronger community for everyone.
Our Sister Cities program is an extension of that belief.
We have four Sister Cities (El Salvador, China, Ethiopia and India) representing four of the top five countries of origin of our population who come from different countries.
I have had the pleasure of visiting each one. In July, 2011, I visited and signed the 1st Sister City agreement on Morazan, in El Salvador.
And now, here we are celebrating the 5th anniversary of our Sister Cities El Salvador program!
I want to recognize the people that have made this program a reality. Committee members of the Sister Cities El Salvador, please stand up.
Congratulations to you all, friends and supports for all of your hard work, time and commitment to both communities here and in El Salvador!
This annual fiesta and everything else would not have been possible without their dedication and support. I want to also acknowledge the support of our Delegate and friend Ana Sol Gutierrez. And Councilmember George Leventhal for his ongoing commitment to the program.
Our Sister Cities program has been a great engagement tool – a vehicle for economic development, and a fabulous way to enrich our cultural understanding.
I’m very grateful to you all. Let’s keep working together to make Montgomery County the nation’s most welcoming community.
Thank you! Buenas Noches!
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Release ID: 16-071
6:30 p.m.