Thomas Daschle: “today I would like to share an amazing story of friendship--a friendship that has blossomed over the past 17 years…”

“today I would like to share an amazing story of friendship--a friendship that has blossomed over the past 17 years between the cities of Aalen and Dewangen, Germany, and the town of Webster in my home State of South Dakota. In 1986, a group of wrestlers from Dewangen toured South Dakota for 3 weeks. During that time, local South Dakotan communities held exhibition matches, providing both South Dakota and this group of wrestlers an opportunity to display their skills and learn from each other. Before making their final departure, the wrestlers made their final stop in Webster, where they were welcomed wholeheartedly. Individual friendships between the wrestlers and members of the Webster community formed immediately. In the 17 years following their initial visit, members of the wrestling group from Aalen and Dewangen returned to Webster to renew their relationships with the Webster community. In 1999, Webster Mayor Mike Grosek decided it was time to pay his friends in Dewangen a visit. During his visit, members of the Dewangen community talked excitedly about a possible friendship contract between the two cities, and within the last 4 years informal discussions led to an official declaration. On April 5, a group of 16 individuals from Webster were on hand for the historic signing ceremony in Dewangen, and it is my pleasure to announce that a similar ceremony will occur in Webster on May 31.”