euskalkultura.eus

San Francisco, CA. This is NABO president's message published today in Astero.

Over the Columbus Day weekend we had the privilege of participating in a historical moment -- the centennial celebrations of the Euzko Etxea of New York. Unfortunately, the wonderful event and the accomplishments of the New York Basque club have been overshadowed by negative publicity. We would like to bring the focus back where it belongs: the celebration of one hundred years of a vibrant Basque community in the United States.

The North American Basque Organizations is an apolitical body that represents a large and diverse community who comes together to celebrate, preserve and live our unique culture. We fully support our member organizations' activities and decisions. We know just how much hard work and passion it takes to keep our culture vital in our daily lives, and appreciate all those who work to perpetuate that culture in our communities. No member or volunteer deserves to have their personal life publicly scrutinized and I suggest we put more weight on accomplishments in our clubs and passion for our culture.

On behalf of NABO I would like to thank and congratulate the Euzko Etxea of New York board and members on a wonderful weekend celebration. You opened your community to us and we were proud to be a part of it. Over 50 people representing 25 clubs participated in the NABO meeting that Saturday and had the honor of meeting Lehendakari Urkullu in his first visit to the United States. We especially appreciated the presence of the Utah Basque Club and Euskaldundak Quebec who each came with around 30 members to take part in the festivities. We want to thank the Utah'ko Triskalariak dancers who performed in New York and were excellent ambassadors of our western Basque clubs.

Most importantly, we want to recognize the members of the Euzko Etxea of New York. It takes many people to make an organization successful for so many years. To those who started the club, purchased the building, continued its upkeep, organized and worked at events throughout the history of the club - we recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication that has allowed your community to arrive at this historic milestone.

"Izan zirelako, gara, eta girelako izango dira." (Because they were, we are, and because we are they will be.)

You are truly the embodiment of this sentiment, and we look forward to seeing you grow even more in the future. Zorionak eta eskerrik asko!

Valerie Arrechea
President