LACS Thrilled at Nomination of Mayor Tom Barrett as U.S. Ambassador of Luxembourg
FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT:
Luxembourg American Cultural Society
Tara Williams, Marketing and Communications Consultant
twilliams@lacs.lu
262-424-5204
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Luxembourg American Cultural Society Thrilled at Nomination of Mayor Tom Barrett as US Ambassador of Luxembourg
BELGIUM, WISCONSIN, AUGUST 31, 2021. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett’s recent nomination as the new United States Ambassador to Luxembourg has prompted many to ask questions about the country that would become his new home. The Luxembourg American Cultural Society (LACS) is an international organization located just 35 miles north of Milwaukee in Belgium, Wisconsin, boasting more than 2500 members worldwide, and is happy to answer any questions regarding Luxembourg and its very unique ties to Wisconsin.
The LACS is very excited about Mayor Barrett’s nomination, and feel he would be a fantastic choice as representative of the United States in Luxembourg. Executive Director Patricia Lutz stated, “We are so very thrilled to hear of Mayor Barrett’s nomination. He brings strong leadership and diplomacy to the role of Ambassador and we feel he would do a wonderful job bridging all efforts between Luxembourg and the United States. We are looking forward to working with him in the future.”
ABOUT THE LUXEMBOURG AMERICAN CULTURAL SOCIETY:
The Luxembourg American Cultural Society’s mission is to preserve the roots of its Luxembourgish heritage and nurture the leaves of ongoing relationships between Luxembourg and America. It boasts a membership of more than 2500 from several countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Luxembourg. In a typical year, the LACS hosts multiple tours to Luxembourg, presents educational programs and events such as Luxembourg Fest and its annual Cultural Conference, publishes the Luxembourg American Gazette, and is the only cultural institute trusted under the high patronage of the Grand Duke to assist with dual citizenship.
The LACS is based at the Luxembourg American Cultural Center in Belgium, Wisconsin, which also houses the Roots & Leaves Museum, Dooley-Wagner Research Center- the largest research center for Luxembourg studies and genealogy outside of the Grand Duchy, the J.B. Krier Welcome Center, and a Luxembourg gift shop.
WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN BELGIUM, WI AND LUXEMBOURG?
The Belgium, Wisconsin area was settled in the 1800s by European settlers who had been raised as Luxembourgers by Luxembourgers, but due to their area of Luxembourg being annexed by Belgium in the 1830s, carried Belgium passports when they immigrated. Since Luxemburg, Wisconsin was already established, the settlers opted to name their village after the country on their passports. The pride of and passion for the Luxembourgish culture lives on in this community today, with some area residents still able to speak the Luxembourgish language taught to them by their grandparents, and the ties and relationships between our small community and the small country of Luxembourg remain strong.
The Luxembourg American Cultural Society (LACS) was created in 2004 as a collaboration between Americans with Luxembourg heritage and the Luxembourg Ministry of Culture. The Ministry of Culture made an in-kind donation to help fabricate the Luxembourg American Cultural Center. The center includes an 1872 Luxembourgish-built Mamer-Hansen stone barn that was relocated from its homestead a few miles down the road to its current location in Belgium, Wisconsin.
The society is under the high patronage of His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri, who was present at the center for its official dedication in 2009.
A LITTLE ABOUT LIFE IN LUXEMBOURG:
THE LAND OF LUXEMBOURG:
Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe at only 998 square miles (smaller than the state of Rhode Island). It is landlocked by Belgium to the West, Germany to the East and France to the South. The topography of Luxembourg is not dissimilar to Wisconsin, particularly when compared to the rolling hills, rivers, and forests found in Western Wisconsin. The weather, however, is much more temperate than Wisconsin. There are four seasons in Luxembourg but the winters, while cloudy and windy, typically don’t dip below 31 degrees Fahrenheit and the summers hover comfortably around the upper 60s and low 70s. Luxembourg is approximately an 8-hour flight from Milwaukee.
THE GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG:
Luxembourg is the world’s last remaining sovereign grand duchy, meaning it is ruled by a monarch carrying the title of Grand Duke or Grand Duchess. The current leader of Luxembourg is Grand Duke Henri, who is married to Cuban-born Maria Teresa, who serves as the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. The couple have five children- four sons and a daughter.
THE CULTURE:
Luxembourg is an incredibly multicultural country, with half of the workforce commuting in from other countries. There are three official languages: Luxembourgish, French and German, though many people often speak even more languages, such as English, Portuguese and Italian.
Luxembourg is currently the richest country in the world, rated by GDP per capita. Its economy relies heavily on banking, steel, and telecommunications (satellites). Its national motto is “Mir wölle bleiwe wat mir,” which means, “we want to remain what we are.”
FOOD & DRINK:
Those visiting Luxembourg can expect the food and drink to be quite the treat. The food is rich and inspired by French and German cooking. Luxembourg boasts vineyards overlooking the Moselle River that produce delicious crisp, dry white wine and sparkling wine, known as crémant. Those wishing to sample the beer and wines of Luxembourg can get ahold of Luxembourgish products Bofferding Beer, Ramborn Hard Cider, and Domaines Vinsmoselle wines imported right into Port Washington, Wisconsin by Ansay International.
Please contact Tara Williams with any press requests at twilliams@lacs.lu or 262-424-5204.
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