Dear Friends,
It was a long way, from the old continent to the new world, a way full with hard labour and disappointments, success and hope, memories and new thinking. Recently there was an exhibit in Dudelange, my native town in the south of the Grand Duchy , illustrating the departures from Antwerp on ships in the late 19th century. It must have been an immense effort for all those families, disrupted from their traditions and all what meant just « home ».
The painful experience of migration never stopped. Millions of people still now know what it means starting from a totally new beginning, with the
very difficult experience of being strangers in a foreign land. The European continent is just at this moment confronted with immigration,
refugees, and migrants looking for better economic condition. Families never quit their homes without serious reasons. So did the families at the end of the 19th century, when Luxembourg has been a very poor country.
Not all were lucky, some returned, those who stayed have established amidst this wonderful American way of life, enjoying freedom an prosperity, in respect of their own cultural heritage.
This celebration of a great achievement is a tremendous step, the everlasting memory of the past, as well as the present and the future of Luxembourg to day. I remember when I first visited B Krier in Belgium, and she showed me her paper book with all the names, registered in her neat hand- writing. It was a precious link to the many that reminded the small country of their ancestors in Europe. I was firmly convinced that we had to preserve this heritage and to pay tribute to all those who helped keeping alive what was still left. And I am grateful to all of you who helped with such a great interest and refreshing encouragement to fulfill what has begun half a century ago.
Of course there is our gratitude towards the Veterans of the world war II, there is the strong relationship between two states, the powerful Nation of America and the small Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, there is the lasting memory of those who guarantied freedom and economic recovery to a large part of the European nations.
The new generations however are they still looking backwards, aren’t they rather tired of the talks on the wars of their ancestors?
In our global world, what is the meaning of home and tradition, of the culture and the language, of the roots that helped their great grandparents to survive in the midst of a totally new environment?
Some may think it is a gesture full of sentimentality, no longer fitting this new millennium. I think it is not. It is not just a gathering of friends, like so many occur in social life. And again I am bound to my memory, when Kevin Wester came to my office in the ministry for culture, showing with great pride that he had found the house of his great grandparents in Weiler la tour. His enthusiasm told me that there must be something deep and profound in this questioning of the roots. I remember his father speaking luxembourgish at the celebration of the light tower in Port Washington, and so many others asking to learn the language of their ancestors.
There must be something special to keep alive during a century some of the architectural heritage, the cemeteries and the churches with the Holy Virgin. I remember my visit to the farm, where the living room was exactly like it was at my husband’s home farm in Ospern, with the photographs of the weddings, an the portraits of the grand parents.
Your Royal Highness, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
Migration may have many reasons, the cultural diversity is the background of every new identity proceeding to a new future.
It is the bridge from the past over the present to a new way of life.
The Luxembourg American relations over centuries, even if they have build only a very small part of both nations, are connecting the past to the future. The cultural center will represent a truly strong link. In this very moment of crucial decisions we have to take for the preservation of nature on our planet, every single step is representative for a strong and deep belief in our capacity of friendship and mutual respect. Thanks to
the generosity of so many donators this center will become reality.
It will testify of our common will to strengthen the American Luxembourg relations.
My deep gratitude goes to Don and Gerda Hansen. They have done such a great job in keeping relations, in making the numerous visitors from the Grand Duchy feel at home. Dear Don and dear Gerda accept in the name of so many my congratulations and respect on the significant role you played in this important development.
May the beginning come to fulfillment, success and happiness for the future generations.