A Message from our Chairman

Dear Colleagues, Dear friends,

Yesterday’s mob violence in the Capitol of the United States of America was shockingly unexpected, unforgivable and deeply emotionally traumatic. My colleagues and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. We insist that every person who participated in illegal acts must be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed under the laws of the United States. More than an assault on a building, this mob violence was an assault which challenged the basic framework of law which is the foundation of the American Constitutional Republic and the American way of Life.

At the same time, this incident clearly showed the incredible strength and power of the institutions of the United States. These institutions stood up to this assault without wavering and the assault quickly faded without success. We have remained a nation under our laws and loyal to our Constitution.

Immediately thereafter, when the Joint Session of Congress resumed after the rioters had been brought under control, Vice President Pence brought his colleagues back to work ensuring the peaceful transfer of power under the US Constitutional system with two calming paragraphs:

“I want to thank the federal, state, and local law enforcement. The violence was quelled. The Capitol is secured, and the people’s work continues. We condemn the violence that took place here in the strongest possible terms. We grieve the loss of life in these hallowed halls, as well as the injuries suffered by those who defended our Capitol today. And we will always be grateful to the men and women who stayed at their posts to defend this historic place. To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today, you did not win. Violence never wins. Freedom wins, and this is still the people’s house.”

“And as we reconvene in this chamber, the world will again witness the resilience and strength of our democracy, for even in the wake of unprecedented violence and vandalism at this Capitol, the elected representatives of the people of the United States have assembled again on the very same day to support and defend the constitution of the United States. So may God bless the loss, the injured, and the heroes forged on this day. May God bless all who serve here and those who protect this place. And may God bless the United States of America. Let’s get back to work.”

With his common-sense words spoken at the right time in this potentially disastrous situation, Vice President Pence’s leadership qualities came through and he stood tall as one of the heroes of the day.

Under his leadership, the Congress of the United States did the right thing and confirmed the election of Joseph Biden to become the next President of the United States.

While horrified this situation occurred, I remain proud to be an American. I know my country is not perfect and remains a work in progress… but I believe the United States has been, is and will continue to be a force for much good in a difficult and dangerous world. I believe in the goodness, kindness, generosity and self-sacrifice of the American people. I believe the United States has been, is and will continue to be a beacon of light, hope, inspiration and opportunity both at home and abroad. And I believe the United States of America has been, is and will continue to be a good and true friend and partner of the people of Luxembourg.

For those of you who have loved the United States of America in the past, please join me to continue to love her now and into a better future…

With respect and my very best wishes,

Paul Schonenberg

Chairman and CEO

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