Eighty Diplomats Participated in New Diplomat Welcome

More than 80 newly arrived diplomats attended our New Diplomat Welcome on October 8 at the historic Meridian House in DC.  At the event, we welcomed newly arrived diplomats and their spouses to the Washington, DC, area and to Cultural Exchange for Diplomats (CED).  

The program’s highlight was a talk by diplomat Milka Shimazu-Lönngren from Sweden who shared her experiences attending CED events and making friends with volunteers and other diplomats. Milka emphasized that CED was more than fun events – as we share our traditions and see the world from others' perspectives. She said a beautiful memory was the cookie exchange at the Northern Virginia Cultural Exchange at Karen Russo's house which reflected the magic of the holidays with her dozen decorated Christmas trees and a visit from Santa – not to mention the overflowing tables of cookies. Last, but not least, the cultural exchanges have not only been fun, they have brought the world of diplomats and volunteers closer with everlasting ties of goodwill and friendship.

At the event, officers of our Executive Committee spoke about opportunities to participate in CED programs and cultural exchanges to enhance diplomats’ time here.  In her speech at the event, President Terry Tretter acknowledged a former volunteer, “We would like to take a moment to honor our dear friend and volunteer, the late Pam Miller, who is represented here today by her daughter Kristin Butler.  A tribute fund in Pam’s memory has been established to enable CED programs for children and families.  We are very grateful to Pam’s husband, Bo Miller, his daughter Kristin Butler, and our volunteer, Katie Barney, for their generosity.”