Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family, to share memories, and express gratitude to those who have helped us along the way. 

Tonight, we are not with family, but here with our community, and we have a great deal to be thankful for. 

On the one hundredth year of its founding, it is the safest and most prosperous time to be a citizen or resident of this country. Our borders are secure; our homes fuller; and our prospects brighter than any past generation. 

Our business decisions and our daily effort have contributed substantially to economic growth, which has enabled our society and culture to progress and flourish. 

We should realize, however, that we did not achieve this success in a vacuum. The EU, representing a union of peaceful and cooperative Nations, has played a major part. And a system of international security based on alliances such as NATO means that there has been no major threat of a devastating European war in more than half a century. 

We should be proud and work hard for our own and our country’s success. We should also recognize that we must contribute to the international bonds that permit that to happen. I sincerely hope and trust that we will.

Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of my fellow AmCham board members, I would like to thank you for all you have done in the past year to make this a better country. I wish you a wonderful evening!