Full house at the ÖAG anniversary reception with US Ambassador Art Fisher
US Ambassador Art Fisher gave a highly acclaimed speech in front of around 300 guests. He emphasized the good relations between Austria and the US as the foundation for economic and personal cooperation: “I often get asked: Is America still our friend? And I’d like to answer that question with a resounding, yes!” said Art Fisher.
Martin Weiss, former Austrian ambassador to the US, gave a very personal laudatory speech to the ÖAG, in which he highlighted its important role since 1946 as a bridge builder between the two countries.
Petra Schneebauer, Austrian Ambassador to the US, joined the event live from Washington DC, emphasizing the transatlantic bond firsthand and conveying personal greetings to the guests.
Musical accompaniment was provided by Austria’s 2018 Eurovision Song Contest representative, Cesár Sampson, who contributed significantly to the festive and emotional atmosphere with his song “Nobody But You” performed live on stage.
Leo Hillinger Jr. offered guests an exclusive selection of his wines during a tasting and personally provided information about the philosophy and origin of the fine wines.
The celebration was rounded off sweetly with a 60 kg (!) Sacher Torte, which hotel director Andreas Keese presented to ÖAG on behalf of Sacher boss Matthias Winkler. ÖAG had its first branch in the Hotel Sacher after 1946.
ÖAG President Philipp Bodzenta and ÖAG Secretary General Rainer Newald were delighted to welcome many long-standing friends, companions, and members to the club premises in Vienna’s city center. The evening was hosted by ÖAG Vice President and long-time ORF office manager in the USA, Hannelore Veit.
Guests from the worlds of diplomacy, politics, business, culture, and media celebrated this extraordinary double anniversary until late into the evening, sending a strong signal for the future of Austrian-American relations.
Since its founding 80 years ago, the Austrian-American Society (ÖAG) has contributed significantly to deepening relations between Austria and the United States through exchange and discussion. The ÖAG stands for actively shaping transatlantic dialogue and a commitment to shared values such as democracy and freedom.