Ladies and gentlemen. Dear girls and boys,
I am pleased to welcome you to our historic town hall, the seat of our municipal council.
You are part of an already well introduced tradition of student exchanges between your high school and our Music School. It is much more than merely the desire to improve our language skills which brings us together. Let me explain our ideas regarding our school exchange programs:
We firmly believe that Europe and other nations all over the world should build closer links, not only as citizens at a local level or at a governmental level, but also as human beings, as individuals with special areas of interest. Coming together in an open and family atmosphere helps us toward a better understanding of each other. The experience of two great world wars in the last century has made us recognize how important personal contacts and international understanding are. As a consequence, we encourage in particular the young generation to come together, to learn to trust one another and to be able to speak, learn and live together.
Your parents and your school have made this year's exchange possible, and it is my most profound wish that you make the best use of this opportunity to discover our homeland with open eyes and much interest. Take these impressions back to your country and pass them on to your friends and your family, and tell them how people live, work and enjoy their lives in Germany, especially in Bietigheim- Bissingen.
As you might know, we have five sister cities around the world and even some long lasting friendships with colleagues, community groups and clubs. We are proud and honored to have many friends from all over the world. The pleasure of meeting one another face to face is what inspires and encourages us in our student exchange programs, with the aim of building a better world of friendship and understanding between the nations and between families from different countries - despite the obstacles of distance, culture and language.
I hope your stay in Germany is made enjoyable not only because of the good relationship between your school and our music school, but also because of the openness and friendliness of our people towards visitors from all over the world.
Have a wonderful time in Bietgheim-Bissingen and its surroundings. Enjoy the experience and have lots of fun. Thank you.
