LET THE SUNSHINE IN : The English Theatre Hosted Inauguration Party

English Theatre Frankfurt

On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, the English Theatre Frankfurt and the US Consulate joined forces to host a fun-filled, multimedia party celebrating the inauguration of Barack Obama as 44th President of the United States. Four hundred enthusiastic attendees from the Rhine-Main area's international community joined Consul General Powell at the English Theatre, where the inauguration ceremony was broadcast live from Washington. Consul General Powell said in greeting the guests: “The  inauguration today reaffirms our national commitment to live up to the aspirations of our founding fathers, that all men are created equal, with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Afterward, the cast of HAIR, the English Theatre’s current production, took to the stage to present an entertaining revue of musical and pop tunes. Photo Gallery | Video Coverage Inauguration | Video Coverage Frankfurt Inauguration Party | Inauguration Address

Read this Blog by a Participant in a State Department Exchange Program covering the Inauguration Ceremony in D.C.

All proceeds from the event will be used to support “Windows On America”, an exchange program that sends students from under-privileged backgrounds to experience life in the United States:
   
Windows on America: 

Consul General Powell with "Windows on America" Alumni

http://germany.usembassy.gov/
germany/windowsonamerica/index.html

Windows on America is a twelve day fully-funded visiting program for groups, consisting of 10 young students from immigrant and German families. The participants mainly come from German Haupt- and Realschulen. The aim of Windows on America is to let a group of youths, underrepresented in traditional exchange programs between Germany and the U.S., take part in an international educational experience. At the same time, the trip should encourage students to learn English. From former participants we know that students have also gained more self-confidence through this valuable experience. The next students to travel are from Ludwigshafen and Stuttgart.

The program is one of the most important initiatives of the U.S. Embassy in Germany the integration and equal participation of youth in German society. Windows on America was initiated in 2006 by former Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. and his wife Sue Timken.