Austin, Sister Cities Program Prepare for 9/11 Anniversaries

On the fifth anniversary of 9/11, Austin, its sister cities around the world, and 40 other cities around the country will team up in what's being billed as The September Concert.

The concurrent event is somewhat bittersweet, as it's intended to both commemorate the tragedy that conspired on September 11th and celebrate the golden anniversary of Sister Cities International, founded by Eisenhower during the historic White House Summit on Citizen Diplomacy.

"Fifty years ago, on Sept. 11, President Dwight Eisenhower launched the Sister Cities movement," said Dr. Paul Anaejionu, Austin Sister Cities International president. "As we reflect on the tragedy of 9/11, we also reaffirm our commitment to President Eisenhower’s vision of peace through people. It’s a message of hope and humanity that is profoundly needed in today’s world."

Scheduled to perform at Austin City Hall Plaza are Sara Hickman and Sparks & Friends, with a setlist including the Beatles' “All You Need Is Love,” a Sister Cities theme penned by John Denver, and a selection of music from our ten Sister Cities across the globe.

"The Sister Cities program is designed to offer, on a person-to-person basis, the opportunity for better relations between diverse cultures and people," said Mayor Will Wynn. "What could be more appropriate on 9/11 than a message of peace, unity, and understanding. This message is one Sister Cities embraces on a daily basis."

Austin's Sister Cities are:

• Adelaide, Australia
  
• Gwangmyeong, Korea
  
• Koblenz, Germany
  
• Lima, Peru
  
• Maseru, Lesotho
  
• Oita, Japan
  
• Old Orlu, Nigeria
  
• Saltillo, Mexico
  
• Taichung, Taiwan
  
• Xishuangbanna, China.

More information on the sister city program can be found at Austin.About.Com and Metblogs.

Photo of Adelaide Convention Center courtesy South Australian Tourism