Lexington Sister Cities: Kay Sargent: Executive Director of Lexington Sister Cities

It was 1956 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower decided to launch an extraordinary program he called people-to-people. Eisenhower’s goal was revolutionary at that time when he stated,

“If we are going to take advantage of the assumptions that all people want peace, then the problem is for people to get together and to leap governments – if necessary to evade governments – to work out not only one method but thousands of methods by which people can gradually learn a little bit more about each other.”

This unique concept to enlist hundreds-of-thousands of volunteer citizen diplomats in a quest for peace was launched at a White House conference called by President Eisenhower on September 11, 1956 – yes, that’s correct, on September 11^th. The President told the assembled delegates that, “in the opinion of this administration there is no more important work than that in which we are asking you to participate.”

He summarized the goal as, “the most worthwhile purpose there is in the world today.”

Now, in 2017 – 61 years later, Eisenhower’s statement still holds true. Organizations like Sister Cities International continue to contribute to people-to-people diplomacy, deeper cross-cultural understanding, and worldwide cooperation toward sustainable economic and community development. These and other programs like them across the globe are deeply rooted in the ideal that we are all members of a single community that is global in scope; that no nation alone can hope to solve our most pressing problems.

Traditionally, Sister City activities have revolved around the arts, culture, education, youth, professional and social exchanges; these areas will continue to be the foundation of Sister City relationships. However, as the world changes, new areas of leadership opportunities emerge from the Sister City network that many of our citizens are anxious to explore. It is a chance to take a leadership position on issues that cross international boundaries – not only to talk about common problems, but to suggest solutions – by bringing together government, business, nonprofit organizations, and just ordinary citizens to make a difference in the cities they call home. Today, there are over 2,400 partnerships in the US in 150 countries on six continents.

The Sister Cities sign in Deauville

Raising the Lexington flag in Deauville

The people of Lexington are very proud that their city was one of the first to follow President Eisenhower’s suggestion. They joined the people-to-people movement in 1957 when they became Sister Cities with Deauville, France. I can remember when the Commonwealth was best known for Kentucky Fried Chicken. People from Tokyo to Paris knew us for this famous recipe. Things have changed significantly – more and more international businesses are opening and thriving across Kentucky. Kentucky has gone global. Individuals who have never traveled outside the state are now traveling abroad.

In a connected world, students especially need a global perspective. Through our student exchanges, we focus on educating our youth about the world around them; we place emphasis on foreign languages and cultural diversity. The great potential benefits that can be derived from student exchanges are ultimately reflected in the ongoing attitudes and activities which continue long after the completion of the actual exchange.

We travel to Deauville today to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of our Sister City partnership. This program has affected the lives of so many people, whether it’s a student that went on the annual high school exchange, a parent who hosted a student, a college student on a scholarship, a soccer player, a ballet dancer, an artist, a policeman, a musician, a teacher, an intern, a mayor, a governor, a council member, a business person, a volunteer or just a Lexington citizen who travelled to Deauville to visit our Sister City – so many touched by this program.

Lexington soccer team travelled to France in 1980

Another soccer team traveled to France in 1989

I made my first visit to Deauville in 1980 – what a wonderful experience. The delegation of 80 citizens from Lexington (14-member soccer team included) was led by Mayor Jim Amato and his wife, Bobbye Gayle; and I was asked to help make the travel arrangements. We were met in Deauville by Monsieur Jacques Valentin, Chairman of the Deauville Twinning Committee. The hospitality was incredible – reception at town hall with Mayor Anne d’Ornano; visit to the Normandy landing beaches; dinner in the homes of Deauville citizens; visit to near-by Honfleur and a tour of Calvados distillery; soccer matches; horse farm tour; trip to the famous Mont Saint Michel; garden party at the Deauville racetrack; and topped off with an elegant dinner and dancing at the Deauville casino. It was certainly a trip to remember, and my first involvement with the Sister Cities program. As you might expect, I was more than happy to help the Deauville Committee prepare when a delegation from Deauville traveled to Lexington the next year.

1980 delegation having lunch in Deauville
(yes, that's me on the right with the long hair)

Delegation in Paris in 1980

Photos of my many visits to Deauville since 1980

Monet's Garden on the way to Deauville.

Normandy American Cemetery.

Honfleur.

Dinner in Deauville with Monsieur Valentin.

My next participation with the program came in 1984, when Lexington and County Kildare, Ireland became Sister Cities. Again, I was asked to assist with plans to take a delegation to Ireland and also help with the planning when the delegation from County Kildare came to Lexington to sign the agreement. I was more than ready to take another adventure.

In 1988, I volunteered during the Sister Cities International Annual Conference, which was being held in Lexington. We welcomed delegations from around the world, including delegations from both Deauville and County Kildare; and I watched as the Mayor of Lexington and the Mayor of Shizunai, Japan (later known as Shinhidaka) signed a Sister City agreement. Since that time, my life has been dedicated to the Sister Cities program, including becoming a member of the board of directors for Sister Cities International (SCI). Presently I am the Executive Director of the Lexington Sister Cities Commission, and serve as the Kentucky State Representative for SCI.

Lexington Sister Cities continues to grow having twinned with Newmarket, England in 2003; and if things go as planned, we will sign an agreement with a new Sister City in April (stay tuned!!) So many memories and friends made – so many more to be made!

Managing a program like Sister Cities cannot be done by one person, It would be appropriate at this time to thank the many citizens and groups in Lexington who volunteer their time to make this program a success. Our ambassadors, committee members, parents, members, corporate partners, government officials, and local organizations all make it happen.

Also, a thank-you to the committees in all of Lexington's Sister Cities that work so diligently to keep this program going for hopefully generations to come. On this special anniversary, a special thank you to Philippe Behuet and his Deauville Twinning Committee for all their dedication and work -- we look forward to seeing you soon!