Mayors of Naperville and Lisle welcome Amma

(News from Chicago Jul 14)

The Mayor of Naperville, Mr. George Pradel, took the stage and after receiving a bouquet of flowers from a local devotee and a brief introduction, proceeded to deliver a warm and homely speech of welcome to Amma.

It is a privilege to have people from other countries visit our country, and today is a special occasion. I would like to bestow on Amma an honorary citizenship of Naperville. [Applause]

The City of Naperville, DuPage and Will Counties, Illinois, United States of America, is proud to have many guests from all nations visit our community. We welcome the people who temporarily make their home in our City and we appreciate the opportunity to share our culture with you and to learn about your homeland. We extend our friendship to you as we experience a spirit of mutual understanding and respect. And so, by the power vested in me as Mayor of the City of Naperville, I proclaim that, Amma, be named an Honorary Citizen of Naperville!" [Long Applause]

"I looked forward all weekend to coming here, because I'm a hugger. [Laughter and applause] And I'm looking forward to a hug. [Applause] I'm trying to get the world's record, but she's beat me so far" [Laughter] Anybody from Naperville knows that I'm a hugger, so thank you and I'm looking forward to meeting Amma in a few minutes. Thank you for being here, thank you for coming to Naperville, and THANK YOU FOR CARING ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE!"

After his address, Mayor Pradel descended from the stage and received Amma's darshan. He then presented the official certificate of Honorary Citizenship to Amma and proclaimed loudly, "She's an Honorary Citizen and she doesn't have to pay taxes!" Afterwards, he turned to Amma, and added innocently, "Can I have another hug?" Amma laughed and happily embraced him a second time. Mayor Pradel, with misty eyes, was clearly moved by his first darshan with Amma. Wiping his tears, he said, "We love you, Amma. We love you"

The Mayor of Lisle Mr. Joseph Broda was the next to welcome Amma

"I just want to give Amma our greetings on behalf of the residents of the Village of Lisle. I welcome you to the Lisle-Naperville area, and I wish you the best in your future work of helping the poor. Also, I would like to present our official welcome certificate, as well as a Key to the Village of Lisle for you. You are always welcome to the Village of Lisle."