Credit: Chronicle.lu

On Friday 24 November 2023, the American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg (AMCHAM), held its traditional Thanksgiving event at the Double Tree by Hilton in Luxembourg-Dommeldange.

Just over 200 members and guests attended this black-tie event which started with a cocktail in the first-floor reception area, before moving to the Ballroom for the main part of the evening.

Paul Schonenberg, AMCHAM Chairman, welcomed everyone, explaining that they would be doing what their agricultural ancestors did, giving thanks for the harvests, confirming that it was one of the oldest traditions known to mankind. He also spoke about AMCHAM's Member Benefits Club, urging people to shop locally and support local retailers - the card is valid in 250+ stores throughout Luxembourg, with discounts available from all. He thanked both the AMCHAM staff and sponsors for enabling the event to take place "at a reasonable price".

Thomas Barrett, US Ambassador to Luxembourg, addressed the event and started talking about his favourite musical, The Music Man, and a song with the lines "you gotta know the territory": he congratulated Paul Schonenberg for knowing the territory of Luxembourg and AMCHAM members. About experiences, he said that Luxembourg and the United States have close ties, including friendship. He recalled historic ties which go back to both WWI and WWII, during which time many Luxembourgers and Americans list their lives, including his mother's first husband. The bond of friendship does not end there, with economic and cultural ties. He expressed how thankful he was about today's news from the Middle East concerning the release of prisoners, and hopes that Ukraine will see peace soon.
He concluded by stating "Give thanks to your family, your friends and have a great evening".

Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg's Minister of Defence, of Mobility and Public Works, and of Gender Equality and Diversity - who Paul Schonenberg recalled addressed last year's Thanksgiving event as Minister for Finance in the previous government - also addressed the event. She acknowledged that the Thanksgiving tradition is very important to American and mentioned that she lived in the US for a few years, and her parents lived in Detroit. She recalled the cost of living crisis, as well as other crises, and talked about helping individuals and companies, in her finance role. Now, with her new role, she acknowledged that the main difference is now she is more a "spending minister". She said that she looks forward to working with AMCHAM in her new portfolios. She talked about values and transatlantic ties that unite the two countries.

After the speeches, the formal part of the evening was over and a turkey was presented by the chefs, with guests invited to take photographs with the VIPs.

Following the traditional Thanksgiving dinner of pumpkin soup, roast turkey and apple pie, Daniel MacKenzie led the tombola, with prizes including meal vouchers, luggage, hotel nights, glasses, massages, jewellery, artwork, flight tickets, a trip to see Bayern Munich play and a trip in a hot air balloon.

The evening concluded with music by Marco Boelen with many dancing into the small hours.