On March 14, Consul General Tetsuro Amano hosted a ceremony and reception to award Ms. Anna McFarland, Executive Director of Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, the Foreign Minister’s Commendation in Honor of the 70th Anniversary of the End of the War in recognition of her service in promoting U.S.-Japan friendship by expanding the scope and reach of the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth.
The ceremony was held at the law offices of Haynes and Boone, LLP, and was attended by nearly 100 guests including Honorary Consul General John Stich, Admiral Patrick Walsh, former Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, as well as representatives from numerous Japanese companies based in Dallas. Also in attendance was Dr. Neill McFarland, Ms. McFarland’s father and the founder of the Japan-America Society of Dallas, now the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) and other former presidents of the JASDFW.
Consul General Amano began the ceremony with opening remarks, praising Ms. McFarland’s many achievements in promotion of the Society and in support of Japan-U.S. relations. (link) Consul General Amano then presented Ms. McFarland with her certificate of commendation and commemorative gift.
Following Consul General ‘s presentation, Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth President Elaine Browning gave a personal speech in which she recalled the “3 P’s” of Ms. McFarland’s personality which helped her to make achievements in society: Perfectionism, Professionalism, and Perseverance. Ms. Browning noted that these positive traits are also shared with the Japanese culture that Ms. McFarland is so fond of and works so closely with. Also, Ms. Browning presented Ms. McFarland with a beautiful bouquet of flowers on behalf of the Society.
The evening’s last speaker was the guest of honor, Ms. McFarland, who spoke of the collective grass-roots effort the Japan-America Society has made to further Japan-U.S. friendship. She thanked several colleagues and board presidents, including her father, for their support. She ended her speech to great applause, saying, “Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth is sustainable and its future is bright.”
Finally, Honorary Consul General John Stich gave a toast congratulating Ms. McFarland on her award and wished much future success for the Society. For further information about Ms. McFarland’s achievements, please refer to the December 11, 2015 Press Release. (link) |
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