社評0713 飲水不忘挖井人

飲水不忘挖井人

感謝特納市長之支持餐會

週三下午六十多位中外好友参加了為特納市長之感恩聚會，正好是八年前，市長也曾到過我們家參加了同樣的餐會。时間真快，他也將任期屆滿。我在致詞中告訴大家說：“中國有句諺語，飲水不忘挖井人。過去多年來市長給予亞裔社區之支持，我們已成永遠的友人。因此，此時此刻我們這個集會是代表感恩和怌念。”

好友牧師狄生在會上高度讃揚市長是極少數非裔之政治精英，他的能力和領導必定會繼續走向為國家繼續效力的更高職务。

今天的聚會多半是我們數十年的老朋友伙伴國際區及西南華埠之經濟起飛，證明我們對休斯敦之巨大貢獻。

  Thank You Mayor Turner 

Mayor Turner’s eight-year term is about to expire at the end of the year. Tonight at our house nearly fifty international community leaders held a gratitude and fund-raising party for him to thank him for his service over the past eight years and to wish him all the best. 

The City of Houston built the Alief Neighborhood Center and Park and it was opened to the public a few months ago. This modern, more than 70,000 square feet building is located in the International District and it has become our landmark and our business card. We are also currently designing an International Gate in our district. After completion, it will be a reflection of each of us and will tell the story of the ever-changing face of the International District.

I remember seven years ago when Mayor Turner first became mayor we also held a welcome party for him. Since then we have established a deep brotherhood over the years, He has never been absent from our major events, including our annual Lunar New Year celebration. 

Tonight’s party included the most prominent business and community leaders in Houston including developers, bankers, lawyers, architects and civic leaders. We are a group of people who know how to be grateful. The mayor is about to leave, but the efforts he has made on the big and small issues during his tenure have benefited all of us. 

Gratitude is human nature. Gratitude is also a virtue. 

Thank you Mayor Turner.