(as prepared)
Friday, January 22, 14:00
[In Vietnamese]
Good morning!
I am pleased to be back visiting SOS Village during the pre-Tet season. It’s been a few months since I and my U.S. Embassy colleagues visited in September and now I can say “Happy New Year!” That was a fun-filled day; this one will be great, too!
[In English]
It’s great to be back with my friends at SOS Village during the Tet holiday. Some say that this year, the year of the monkey, we will need to rely on creativity and innovation as opposed to following the same way of thinking, and I think that is a lesson that we all can take to heart.
I’d like to thank Gunny Sergeant Dwight Amantine and his Marine detachment for their hard work in collecting so many wonderful toys to donate today. Tet is a special holiday for m22ecause it is about spending time with close friends and family and reflecting on all of the wonderful gifts we have, not just material goods, but truly special gifts, like the gift of friendship, the gift of kindness and charity, these are the ideals we celebrate during the Tet holiday.
As we start a new year, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the deepening relationship between our two countries, and know that the work we do together will enrich your lives in the future.
[In Vietnamese]
Thank you to the staff and children of SOS Village for welcoming us into your home once again.
