community

Editor’s note: The following is an email we received from Sandra Snyder, who has been active with Who’s New, the Navy League, AMCHAM and other community groups here for a number of years. At the recent July 4th reception at the Marriott she was surprised to receive an award from US Ambassador Watt, and this is her story:

It started with my attending the Escuela Estados Unidos de America (in San Felipe) 4th celebration. The kids are always fantastic. I have not missed one of these in the seven-plus years we have been here but they have been going on since the school began. The kids learn all about the US since the school is named for it and they really enjoy putting on the 4th of July show --- lots of song and dance starting with one little, two little, three little Indians done by the second graders. I presented a copy of my book to the new director of the school. It was a really special 4th this year as the Panama Chamber of Commerce presented the school with a language lab, 18 computers with English language programs. This school has always taught English and now they are state of the art. It was really exciting. I thought the book (in English) would be a nice addition to the library. The former director was also there (I have known her for years.) Also, the 2nd VP of Panama was there. They took a great photo of the book presentation and it was in today's newspaper.

The new US Ambassador's 4th of July reception this year was incredible.

She arrived here in December and she has been busy seeing the country, meeting people and making an impression since her arrival. She wanted to start a totally new tradition for the 4th and involve more people and she truly succeeded. Past receptions have been either a hamburger picnic thing at the residence or more recently, a more formal evening stand-up reception. This was at the Marriott Hotel. The music was wonderful. Bruce Quinn really outdid himself in producing and directing. Dino Nugent was music director and there were some very talented Panamanian singers including Cynthia Brown Franklin (Julliard School opera singer from New York). They did everything from St. Louis Blues, Oklahoma, Danny Boy, Impossible Dream, West side Story, and ended with America the Beautiful. It was truly American and very moving.

I first knew it was going to be a really special evening when the Ambassador greeted me with "you are seated in the front row and someone will come to get you and take you to your seat." David asked if he had a place too and she said no he had to stand in the back and then laughed. Immediately, someone did come get us and we were escorted to our seats which turned out to be with the Ambassador, the 2nd Vice President, the Minister of Commerce and one other distinguished guest as well as all the spouses. David was there too. The program was just wonderful with recognition of all the Panamanians that have made a contribution and made a success in the states. There were video messages of congratulations on the 100th anniversary to Panama and the 4th of July celebration from Colin Powell, John McCain and the Panamanian woman soldier recently in the war. In the middle of the musical program the Ambassador explained the newly instituted Distinguished American Citizen Award and announced four people would be inducted into this Hall of Fame. Over a period of weeks nominations were made from every segment of the community and I understand 19 people were selected from those nominated for the final round.

I was presented with a beautiful plaque that says among other things "Your tireless efforts on behalf of the people of Panama exemplify the best of American values and reflect honorably on you and your country." This was presented in front of 450 members of the community including the Ambassadors of Chile, Germany, France, and India; the Icelandic Consul, members of the American Diplomatic Corps, the Second Vice President of Panama (Dominador Kaiser Bazan) representing the President and Panama Government, other distinguished members of Panama’s Government, prominent members of the American and Panamanian community.

It was an incredible evening and I was very touched. In fact, I can hardly believe it except the plaque is here in glass and wood .

Sandra T. Snyder
stspanama@pobox.com