London in New York

On November 11, 2005, Veterans Day in America, I was invited to attend the Danish American Society "Man of the Year" Awards Gala Dinner at the Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center. Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr., former Ambassador to Denmark during the first Reagan Administration, a prominent descendant of both the Lehman & Loeb banking families who can trace his family ties in America, back to the 17th century was honored as Man of the Year by the Danish American Society. to see all the photos from the event, click here.

Dignitaries, friends, co-workers/employees and family came to honor this financier, philanthropist, patriot, vineyard owner, art connoisseur (with an extensive Danish Art Collection on exhibit at the Frances Lehman Loeb Center and the Bruce Museum). The evening’s highlights included a showing of the colors from both Denmark and the United States followed by the respective national anthems of both countries; heartwarming speeches and most memorably a light hearted biographical film produced by Sharon Handler. The legacy of Mr. Loeb is that of an enlightened American who has achieved high levels of success on so many playing fields in the game of life including business, international affairs, politics and used the station of his success to make meaningful cultural contributions.

Admirably, for a man of such enormous success and accomplishment who’s very essence defines what it means to be a "Renaissance Man," what seemed to have enriched his life the most is a profound sense of humility, his love of country, the love, respect and admiration of those around him; his appreciation of art and culture and his devotion to building community and relations between countries. The quiet confident passion of the man self evident, his humility and sense of humor illustrate that Mr. Loeb pursued his path for the love of the journey and not for the accolades which have come his way.

The warmth that filled the Rainbow Room on this particular evening left this writer wanting to be a better man, a better American. Naturally, I became introspective about my relative purpose and the meaning of my life as an American.

What does it mean to be an American? That is a hard question for many. Certainly there are those who have different theories or answers. There are, however, some inescapable truths. Americans are descendants from or former citizens of nearly every country in the world. Americans include those who were born here as well as those who choose to apply and accept the privilege of citizenship. The American who becomes a citizen today is as much a part of the  fabric of American life and culture as those who trace their heritage back to the founding of our country, such as the DAR.  There are challenges and responsibilities that go along with being American. American citizenship is neither to be taken for granted nor is it something that we be arrogant about. The unique position of America in the world today necessitates a broader outlook. To be an American requires that we celebrate our uniquely American traditions, even as we continue to establish them, while embracing the cultures of those which enrich our own, or look to America for leadership on the world stage.

In the melting pot which is New York City, where we all too often proudly exhibit and display our ethnic heritage, do we ever bother to ask ourselves what it means to be an American? My friends often proudly state, "I am Italian, I am Latino, I am African American or I am Jewish", which is all fine and good. But is it not equally important to reflect on and consider the blessing it is to simply be an American? Too nationalistic? Perhaps but that is without any disrespect to the fact that one’s ethnic heritage is something to be proud of. With all due respect to my ethnic heritage, the cultural mix which is my blood, and which I am quite proud of for sure, I am first and foremost and American and a New Yorker. 

What is the role of Americans in the world today? To be an American carries with it a responsibility to become an enlightened citizen of the world.  First and foremost it requires that one be a Patriot for America with a focus on building community here at home.  That, however, must be balanced looking forward with a commitment to developing an understanding, a sense of community and appreciation for the cultures which have and continue to contribute to enriching American life. Respect first the many that have died to establish and maintain a free society on American soil. But understand and appreciate that the history of the United States begins with a profound appreciation for the cultures and the people which have and continue to shape the basis of our existence. The American experience is a constant evolution.

The greatest honor that one can have bestowed on them in life is the love and respect of one’s peers, family and country men. Ambassador Loeb has succ eeded on all those levels. I am proud to call Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr., simply an American. His passion, convictions, character and humility make him one that we could do far worse than to emulate. I salute Ambassador Loeb for a life well lived. God bless.

*Note: Thie piece appears in the Manhattan Society Report, Christopher London’s Society Column in PRESTIGE MAGAZINE (Asia) in the February issue.

A society report of any kind that does not begin or end with the Giuliani’s is, in the estimation of this writer, rather incomplete. Rudolph W. Giuliani was recently recognized by New York’s top news radio station 1010 WINS at the 1010 Wins 40th Anniversary Gala at Gotham Hall as the most influential newsmaker of the last 40 years. In 2005, 4 years removed from the tragedy of 9/11 and its devastating impact on New York City, and almost 4 years since he left office as New York’s Mayor and became America’s Mayor, Rudolph W. Giuliani ("Rudy") remains one of the most prominent and respected faces on the Manhattan charity scene. By his side in a very significant way in her own right, is his wife Judith S. Giuliani (the former Judy Nathan). In 2005 at the New York Junior League Winter Ball Ms. Giuliani was honored for her work with Changing Our World, Inc., a national fundraising and philanthropic services company headquartered in New York as well as with other charities. Judy is also a founding member of the board of trustees of the Twin Towers Fund which raised and distributed all of the $216,000,000 to over 600 families and individuals. Contributions to the Fund also created the TTF Scholarship Fund and America’s Camp.  Mrs. Giuliani currently serves as the Executive Director of the $100,000,000 Campaign for St. Vincent Catholic Medical Centers in New York.  Mrs. Giuliani does more than "stand by her man"and is very much a force in her own right. (Photo: Judith S. Giuliani & Rudolph W. Giuliani at the Tuesday’s Children 2005 Leadership Awards Gala at Cipriani, by Gregory Partanio for Manhattan Society.com)

An incomparable tandem, the Giuliani’s are the quintessential New York power couple. More than merely serving as charismatic leaders, the Giuliani’s have and continue to make a profound difference to the fabric of urban life and the lives of New Yorkers on a daily basis. While the Giuliani’s are certainly outfront, most often as headliners, their service to our community is not limited to speaking engagements at grand events. Whether serving on boards of charities with worthwhile goals, sponsoring fundraisers for other organizations, speaking or serving in a motivational capacity, their involvement has a multiplier effect. The Giuliani’s not only sell tickets but they inspire further good deeds. That you do not constantly see them on certain "Society pages" is hardly relevant. Whatever they do and wherever they go it is NEWS.

Case in point, the Giuliani’s recently attended a benefit to support Tuesday’s Children where their commitment to New York was lauded by the charitable organization’s founder:

"Four years ago Mayor Giuliani made a promise that he would stand behind the families of 9/11," said Chris Burke, president and founder of Tuesday’s Children Foundation. "He has never waivered in that commitment. For the families of  9/11 and indeed the world, Mayor Giuliani has become a symbol of strength and hope. Like our families, he knows that healing comes with time and through persistence and determination. Today in large measure because of his leadership, New York City is stronger than ever and our 9/11 families are on the road to recovery. As both a family member and president of this organization, it is my honor and privilege to present Mayor Giuliani and the New York Mets with the Tuesday’s Children Leadership Awards for 2005," concluded Burke.

Mayor Giuliani said,"Nothing can ever completely fill the void in our hearts created by 9/11. As a nation and as a city, we can rebuild with bricks and mortar. But for those who lost loved ones that day, rebuilding lives is a much more difficult task. And that is why Tuesday’s Children is so important. Its programs provide strength, guidance and a clear path to a happier future for thousands of families. And while I am proud to receive this Leadership Award tonight, I am still humbled at the strength, resilience and faith of so many who lost so much that terrible day four years ago."

New York is my home town. My respect for Rudy Giuliani is rather personal. The soul of the man is evident in all that he does. If  that is not confirmation enough, all you need do is get up close and personal, shake his hand and look in his eyes. The qualities of a loving but fearless leader are ever present. That he found Judith is a well deserved blessing. If that sounds too corny than you obviously have never met the man.

Certainly there are those who may have disagreed with certain aspects of his leadership style prior to 9/11. Those people, however, are quick to forget the challenges which Mr. Giuliani overcame to govern.  Rudy Giuliani inherited a metropolis in decline. Mr. Giuliani’s assumption of the Mayoralty of New York City in the 1990’s was probably the single biggest factor in the rebirth of New York City. He redirected the fortunes of a city which too many of his predecessors, some of whom were more "beloved" politicians, deemed ungovernable. They failed before they even started. I and many others shudder to imagine what might have been had Rudy Giuliani had not been our Mayor on that fateful day of  September 11, 2001. Furthermore, he cared enough about the legacy of New York to expend personal and political capital to assure that an individual with sound fiscal and administrative leadership qualities would serve as his successor.  In the aftermath of 9/11, what New York needed was a CEO who could make tough political decisions, decisions that might infuriate both Republicans and Democrats. The current Mayor, Michael Bloomberg for all his fortune might never have had the opportunity to inherit the Mayoralty absent Mr. Giuliani’s endorsement.

Leadership is in the details. I salute Rudolph W. Giuliani, not just for serving as a charismatic and inspirational leader or for rescuing New York City twice but also for paying attention to the details and for continuing to give back to the community when it would have been far easier to rest and enjoy the comfort zone from the income generated by his consulting firm, Giuliani Partners. So while Michael Bloomberg has just been re-elected to a second term with most New Yorkers saying "mazel-tov" in providing his landslide victory over Fernando Ferrer, New York City is still Giuliani Town to me.

*Note: This column also runs in my Society Column in the December Holiday issue of Social Life Magazine (New York) and PRESTIGE Magazine in Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia & Malaysia)