History of U.S. Presidents
“The increasing interconnectivity of nations in today’s global economy underscores the need for robust partnerships between communities around the world. Organizations like Sister Cities International foster such relationships, increasing mutual knowledge and understanding between cities and cultures. These collaborations promote collaboration and trust among citizens and nations, create opportunities for technological and economic innovation and development, and lay the foundations for continued peace and prosperity. I am proud to serve as your Honorary Chair.”
“No impersonal representation of a culture can fully communicate its reality to others who have never known its living substance. Through personal relations – our curiosity can be fulfilled by a sense of knowledge, cynicism can give way to trust, and the warmth of human friendship to be kindled.” “The Town Affiliation Program is making a real contribution throughout the United States and with many communities abroad. I hope that you will work to spread its effectiveness to other communities in your part of the country.”
“Sister Cities work outside government in a field vital to all: the promotion of friendship among citizens of every land so they will understand each other and want peace. I know of no other task more important for the people of every country.”
“The dramatic past successes of the Sister Cities International program give you and your fellow members a dynamic role in the task of building a more peaceful and prosperous world community.”
“When President Eisenhower proposed the establishment of a program of affiliation between American and foreign cities on September 11, 1956, no one could have anticipated how successful it would become in creating imaginative and valuable exchanges in the fields of education, culture, youth, business, local government and professional expertise. All who have given of their time and talent in this effort can take great satisfaction from their accomplishments.”
“Exchange of ideas and just getting to know each other on the level that the Sister City program provides plays an important role in maintaining good relationships between the U.S. and foreign relations. The Sister City program is based on a mutual situation – all countries experience urban problems – and from this common base we can move toward broader understanding to bring our diverse cultures closer together.”
“I am proud to serve as Honorary Chairman of Sister Cities International and to be associated with a program whose human aspect reaches far beyond purely formal contacts between cities. “Because of your emphasis on the exchange of people and ideas, Sister Cities serves to promote better understanding and cooperation throughout the world. Out of this effort comes a spirit of friendship which, when multiplied by thousands of Sister Cities, results in improved economic, cultural, and social relationships between people everywhere.”
“I am honored and proud to lend my name to an organization that has encouraged better international understanding in the fields of education, culture, economic, and social relationships. Thank you for extending me the privilege of being associated with the United States Sister Cities Program.”
“The Sister Cities International program has been instrumental in breaking down barriers between cultures and in fostering better relations between peoples separated by oceans. I applaud your efforts to build lasting bridges between people of different nations in a rapidly changing world. I am committed to working for a more peaceful planet and am impressed with your organization’s ongoing work toward this goal. I am happy to offer my support as Honorary Chairman.”
“For 45 years, Sister Cities International has been credited with establishing and strengthening partnerships between communities in the United States and similar communities internationally. Your organization fosters recognition that trust, cooperation, and peace between nations are built on understanding, and that real understanding comes from communication. I commend you for promoting the development of relationships among leaders and citizens of different countries and cultures. “I also applaud the thousands of volunteers affiliated with your organization for their efforts on behalf of those in need. From humanitarian assistance to community development, you help give hope and comfort to countless individuals and communities throughout the world. I encourage Sister Cities International in its efforts to unite communities, build understanding, and promote peace across national and cultural barriers.”