AMBASSADOR Robert Holmes Tuttle

Speeches, Remarks & Events

11 July 2007
Ambassador Tuttle travels to Northwest Wales

Ambassador Robert H. Tuttle traveled to Llangollen in northwest Wales on July 11-12, to act as "Day President" for International Youth Day at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. The event has a 60-year history, stemming from an initial vision in 1947, and a continued objective of bringing the world’s countries together to foster international goodwill through cultural activity. In 2004, this annual event was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. The festival has a volunteer base of 900 people, and this year, almost 4,000 performers from over 40 countries and territories participated in the competition.

While at the International Eisteddfod, the Ambassador toured the festival, met many of the volunteers, and spoke with Mr. Terry Waite, the festival's Honorary President, other event executives, organizers, performers and distinguished guests. Among the performances watched by the Ambassador was the Mount San Antonio College Concert Choir from California, who met with the Ambassador after their performance. The choir went on to take first place in each competition they entered, eventually winning the Choir of the World competition later in the week!

Upon hearing that the Ambassador was present at the festival, a group of British Kurdish children asked to make a special presentation to him to thank him for what the United States has done to assist Kurds. At the event, Ambassador Tuttle noted that he thought international exchange programs were invaluable to society and help achieve harmony. He added: "It's important what performers do on stage, and it's equally important what they do off stage and the friendships they have made."

Ambassador Tuttle also attended a luncheon hosted by Andy Klom of the European Commission Office in Wales, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the European Union and made congratulatory remarks on the occasion.

The Ambassador’s participation was highlighted in complimentary press articles in The Daily Post, The Shropshire Star, and The Wrexham Evening News. The Shropshire Star quoted the Ambassador as saying that he was "delighted to be invited to Llangollen," which he described as "a slice of heaven.’" The Wrexham Evening News quoted him saying, "I am thrilled to be here; the beauty is just breathtaking. What I liked most was seeing children of so many different nations and cultures enjoying themselves in harmony."

Ambassador Robert Tuttle with members of Huseyin Cicek’s Kurdish Folk Dance Group from London, after they have presented him with flowers and their thanks for the United States’ help to Kurds. (Embassy photo by Jennifer Harris)

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