Welcome Remarks by Ambassador Eric G. John, "Thai-U.S. Friendship Painting Day: E Pluribus Unum”, U.S. Embassy Bangkok (As prepared for delivery) - February 3, 2009
(As prepared for delivery)
Director General Nongnuth,
Ajaan Thanom,
Distinguished Guests,
Teachers,
Students,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning and welcome to the American Embassy.
My wife Sophia and I are very pleased that you could join us for this very special program in which Thai students are expressing their concept of today’s theme-- E Pluribus Unum--through art.
Our guests today include several friends from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, well-known artist and art critic, Ajaan Thanom Chapakdee, and a group of young Thai artists who have recently spent time in Los Angeles developing their art. Above all, the embassy is very pleased to have 11 schools from the Bangkok area participating. The presence of such a diverse group of young students not only reflects our theme of creating unity out of diversity, but also symbolizes the special friendship between Thailand and the United States.
So I would like to extend a warm welcome to:
Patumwan Demonstration School
Islamic College of Thailand
Tha-It Suksa School
Nonsi Witthaya School
Yannawet Wittayakom
St. Joseph Convent School
Mater Dei School
St. Dominic School
Rajini School
Kasem Pittaya
Satit-Kaset School
Sophia and I greatly enjoyed last year’s mural painting in celebration of 175 Years of U.S.-Thai relations, and we were very impressed with the creativity and talent of Thai art students. It was also a humbling experience when we were asked to put our own touches to the painting – we learned that it’s not as easy as you all make it look! So, it is particularly gratifying to host another painting program this year and to see many familiar faces – and many new ones.
Today’s theme--E Pluribus Unum-- is so important to Americans that President Obama mentioned it at the end of his acceptance speech this November when he encouraged people to strive for their goals and not be discouraged.
He said: "Dream and affirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one." And I believe what he meant by this is that when we come together—bringing all our individuality with us, all our gifts and uniqueness, for a common purpose—there is nothing we can’t achieve.
At the same time, this truth only works when we value diversity and each person takes responsibility for themselves. It is not saying that everyone should be the same, but that by bringing our differences together, we are stronger.
Diversity can mean many things: it can mean coming from a different ethnic background, practicing a different religion, being of a different age or generation, or it can simply mean having different ideas.
There is great diversity in Thailand as there is in the United States, and I appreciate all the thought you put into painting your own understanding of E Pluribus Unum.
Sophia and I look forward to meeting our visiting young artists and faculty and seeing all the colorful canvases being created. I hope you are enjoying your time with us on the grounds of the U.S. Embassy today. And as we visit each tent, I will have some gifts for all of you as a token of Thai-American friendship and as a souvenir by which to remember this day and our time together.
But before I do that, I would like to ask our honored guest, Director-General Nongnuth Phetcharatana of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to say a few words.