Saline Sister-City-Week

Letter to the Editor

Greetings!

Saline is special; a city that values international friendships and cultural exchanges through the Sister City partnershipswith Brecon, Wales and Lindenberg, Germany.

I want to introduce new people to experience international cultural exchange.

In 1966 the Saline City Council and Brecon Town Council passed resolutions to become Sister Cities via the “People-to-People Program” which was established by President Eisenhower to affiliate international cities of similar characteristics and mutual interest.

Over the last 60 years, more than 4,100 people have participated in the “twinning” relationship with Brecon, Wales including dignitaries, students, choirs, bands, athletes and residents. Many life-long friendships have been established.

Lindenberg, Germany became Saline’s second Sister-City in 2003. Saline hosted Lindenberg visitors six times and Lindenberg hosted Saline visitors five times. The next visit to Lindenberg will occur next year.

Former Mayor Gretchen Driskell said “I just want to reinforce the fact that you host people in your homes and go to their homes and stay. It’s a great emersion to their culture. It’s a really fabulous experience.”

Saline is celebrating Sister City Week the week of July 19th. Flags of Wales and Bavaria will be displayed at the four-corners, a presentation at Monday’s (July 20th) Saline City Council Meeting and another opportunity for everyone to learn more about Saline’s Sister Cities on July 23rd at 109 W. Michigan Ave. after the Summer Concert.

James Roth, SBFG President