It is easy to feel that the world is going through very troubled times. Never mind that statistically speaking, the present time is the most peaceful and prosperous humanity has ever known. We instinctively know that things should be better.
…So tonight, we are here to celebrate the hope that we have for that future. To celebrate the New Day which is upon us, and to celebrate the fact that like the sun’s equal radiance on the earth today, we are all equal partners in achieving that future….
…It1s a tradition…a good tradition. It’s a tradition some Europeans started a couple centuries ago to show they were thankful that they were alive – alive in a difficult place to live….