Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen! I would like to thank you all joining us for today’s American Summerfest – a time for Celebration and Remembrance. Throughout the United States, the summer months are enjoyed relaxing outdoors with friends. We delight in eating savory foods served hot off the grill and enjoying a cold, thirst quenching beverage, especially essential on a hot day like today. Outdoor concerts are scheduled in many communities, where one can sit on the grass and listen to their favorite musicians sharing their talent. Sack races and pick-up basketball or volleyball games are played to satisfy a small part of the competitive spirit, yet fill the cup of sportsmanship while played together. We are excited to bring that spirit of American summer to share with you today here in Phnom Penh.

I’d like to take a moment to thank those helping us to facilitate sharing some of our American traditions with you here today:

• Brett Sciaroni and the members the American Chamber of Commerce for their assistance organizing and advertising this event.
• The cooperative efforts of Northbridge International School to provide this outdoor venue.
• Coca Cola, and Cambodia Beer, for generously contributing beverages to help us enjoy this fine summer day.
• Our Embassy Team led by the Community Liaison Office (or “CLO’s” as we call them), coordinating with those organizations I just mentioned, and all of the volunteers to bring us this great event.

There’s plenty of food and drinks here while we enjoy this beautiful setting with friends and family. It’s especially great to see so many young people from YSEALI and the Embassy’s Youth Council here today. Thank you all for coming!