Chairperson Alvarado, Hon. Justice Gonzalez, Fellow Board Members and Guests;

I am a proud member of the Board of Directors of La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc.  We come together tonight to participate in an important ceremony.  The purpose this ritual is both symbolic as it is practical since the strength of any cultural organization, like “La Casa”, is in its Board of Directors.  The oath we are about to take is more than just raising our hand and pledging an allegiance and loyalty but, for us, today, it is a call to action for our people and for our community to fulfill the mission that is La Casa.
 
Fellow Board Members, As you know La Casa is a unique organization. Very few institutions, if any, can compare to the history of La Casa.  Over its 25 year history, it has taught us about our culture and history, launched many other Hispanic organizations, helped many of our people find work, taught countless people how to play and even teach our musical instruments, and has managed to preserve the history and culture of the land of our people, so many miles from the home.   We have been entrusted with a wonderful responsibility, unique to our culture and to this country.  We are the keepers of our heritage here on the mainland.  A responsibility we should not lose sight of or take lightly.  We must be loyal and protective of this Casa as we would our own and do our part to preserve it for future generations.
 
La Casa is celebrating a long awaited renaissance, going through positive changes but we need to work harder.  The late Otilio Diaz dedicated his life to this institution and we all know how protective he was of it and yet we all were asked to serve the Board by him.  I’m certain he must have seen that individually and collectively, La Casa would benefit from our involvement and here we are…taking up the reigns and continuing the mission he started a quarter century ago.  
 
I am honored to continue my work with La Casa as a member of its Board, and I thank my colleagues for their trust and confidence in appointing me Secretary to the Board, I hope I can make a positive difference in La Casa and continue to play an active part in its rebirth.  Our chairperson, Eli, has been inspiring in his ability to take on La Casa in such a difficult time and keep us motivated.  I am encouraged with our progress and am empowered to continue, but we need to do more…..and I hope that all of us, together, can show the world what Puerto Ricans are really made of.   Thank you.
 
Charles E. Fourquet Batiz, Secretary
Board of Directors Swearing in Ceremony
December 17th, 2006
La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc.