News and Events

ARNIC Thanksgiving Dinner

National Event Recap – November 20, 2017

English in Action welcomed past and present ARNIC members, friends and guests to the annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the English-Speaking Union. Friends and guests came together to celebrate, share a meal and give thanks. For many ARNIC members, this was their first Thanksgiving in the US and a welcome introduction to one of America's most treasured holidays.

Executive Director Christopher Broadwell kicked off the evening with a reading of the Emma Lazarus poem, The New Colossus, whose phrase "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses" is inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty.

The evening's speakers began with Evie Blaikie, English in Action volunteer and dedicated friend of ARNIC founder, Andrew Romay, who spoke on the importance of welcoming new immigrants and sharing American traditions in an effort to foster global understanding and good will.

Several ARNIC members were invited to speak about their experiences in the US and what they were thankful for.

• Neurka Melendez, ARNIC member from Venezuela
• Cho Cho Kine, ARNIC member from Burma/Myanmar
• Val Balano, ARNIC graduate from Belarus.

View highlights from the event and photos of ARNIC members' "I am thankful for..." messages on our Facebook page.

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