-Nolan Hiott, WRGA-
Capping off day one of the delegation from Kumamoto’s trip to Rome, the friendship between Rome and Kumamoto was celebrated at the ECO Center in Rome with a BBQ dinner, speeches, and gifts.
The event kicked off with a local band playing the South American classics. Country Roads, Georgia on my Mind, and All My Exes Live in Texas. As the band played, the delegation, Rome locals, and government representatives poured in. The event saw appearances and speeches from Georgia House Representative Katie Dempsey, U.S. house of Representative Clay Fuller, and Mayor Jim Bojo. All speeches revolved around the relationship between Kumamoto, and Japan at large, and Rome, and the United States at Large.
The prayer before the meal was given by representative Katie Dempsey, with the meal being many of the delegations first time trying southern barbecue. Following was speeches by Jamie Doss, who played a large part in keeping the relationship between Kumamoto and Rome going during and after the pandemic. Kumamoto City Assembly member Seiichi Tanaka spoke at the event, thanking the city of Rome and its warm people.
“I believe the friendship between Kumamoto City and the City of Rome is truly special, and built upon the personal connections and dedicated efforts of so many people over the years.”
-Seiichi Tanaka
The dinner also featured an event from ECO Center Director Ben Winkelman. Who, quite hilariously, introduced the delegation to both a garden snake and an alligator. Letting the delegation pet the animals, with the Mayor of Kumamoto City, Kuzufumi Onishi, taking a picture with the alligator.
The Mayor of Rome, Jim Bojo, then presented the delegation with gifts. Reminders of their time here in Rome. From paintings and images of the infamous clocktower to a key to the City of Rome given to Mayor Onishi. The delegation also had gifts for Mayor Bojo and others in Rome’s government.
After the event concluded, WRGA took a moment with Kumamoto Mayor Onishi and asked him about his experience in Rome.
WRGA: “How has your experience in Rome been so far?”
Onishi: “So this is my first time visiting the City of Rome but it is a very beautiful city with very pretty nature and very warm people. So it’s been a wonderful first experience.”
WRGA: “What has been your favorite part of your time here in Rome so far?”
Onishi: “So today we went to the clocktower, and went to the top and saw the view of the whole city and it really reminded my just how similar Rome is to Kumamoto.
WRGA: “What similarities have you seen between Rome and Kumamoto?”
Onishi: “Well, there is abundant greenery, beautiful mountains, and Kumamoto is also very hot.”
Needless to say, it was a hot week in Rome.
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