Dear Friends:

When we gather for the festival of the Santo Nino, we are honoring our history, the places that have meant home to us, the people we have loved.  It isn't necessary to be from Cebu or to be Filipino to appreciate the stories of love and heroism that have brought us all together.

We also gather to celebrate who are now, all the parents and children, the neighborhoods and businesses of the Filipino community.  We also honor the city that is home to so many diverse communities sharing their  traditions and dreams.

Most of all, we present our hopes for the future.  Those who have gone before, in the Philippines and in the United States, have sacrificed and struggled for us.  Our strongest wish in this season of celebration must be that all our dreams for the children we love, the city and the nations we call home, can be fulfilled.

Best wishes for a wonderful celebration!

Warmly,

Signed:

Harry Britt