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Tribute to Rockville, Maryland and Pinneberg, Germany
Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rockville, Maryland and Pinneberg, Germany on the 50th anniversary of their outstanding "Sister City" relationship.
In 1983, the first official delegation from Pinneberg visited Rockville, and participated in a White House ceremony commemorating the 300th anniversary of German immigration to the United States. Over the past 50 years, individuals and groups from both cities, including police officers, students, politicians, sports teams, choruses and concert bands, have participated in exchanges that have left both sides richer in knowledge and understanding. I know these participants will never forget their experiences and the lessons they have learned from each other.
We here in Rockville and our friends in Pinneberg should be proud that our cities were among the first in the United States and Germany to engage in this relationship, after its proposal in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as part of a people-to-people citizen diplomacy initiative. Our sister city relationship is a cornerstone of a program that for many years has worked to achieve peace and prosperity through cultural understanding and exchange among countries all over the world. Even during turbulent times, our two cities have reached towards one another in friendship and set an example for others to follow.
In celebration of this anniversary, a delegation from Rockville, including its Mayor, Larry Giammo, visited Pinneberg this past June. This week, beginning on October 2nd, the City of Rockville will formally welcome a 40-member delegation from Pinneberg, including its current Mayor. They will spend time with our local elected officials, tour the City and other sights in Maryland, dedicate a commemorative plaque, and conclude the week's festivities with "An Evening of Celebration" in Rockville's new Town Center on October 7th.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Rockville, Maryland and Pinneberg, Germany for their meaningful and productive collaboration over the past 50 years. We all look forward to another 50 years of friendship between these two great cities.
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