Memphis Celebrates Otumfuo On 72nd Birthday
As part of Memphis’s celebration to honour the King of the Asante kingdom, there was the observance of the “March of the Peabody Ducks” by His Royal Majesty.
The march of the ducks dates back to the year 1869 as the historic hotel in downtown Memphis is known for.
The historical march observance in the City of Memphis came during the short cake cutting ceremony of His Royal Majesty.
The history of the duck’s march originates in 1933 when ducks were put in Peabody’s lobby fountain, a tradition that is ongoing.
That being the first of the birthday celebration, the second honours which was the “Black Star Black Tie Gala” at the Renasant Convention Center had the Chairman for the Memphis in May International Festival, Mr. Charles Ewing expressing honour for the King’s presence in Memphis.
“When it was announced that not only are we saluting Ghana in Memphis but the city will be graced with a state visit from HRM Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, we celebrate the riches of Ghana and noble leadership of His Majesty. Memphis in May is grateful for His Majesty’s presence as it is truly a once in a lifetime honour for the citizens of Memphis, Tennessee.”
The birthday night continued with expresses from H.E Hajia Alima Mahama, the Ghana Ambassador to the United States of America that Otumfuo’s presence has highlighted Memphis’s salute to Ghana.
She hailed Otumfuo as an “epitome of peace and a Constance force of stability in Asante, Ghana and West Africa.”
Her Excellency also commended his effort in the educational sector saying, “As a custodian of the customs and traditions of a great part of the culture of Ghana he instils a great sense of responsibility in the whole populace of Ghana. As a staunch believer in education through the Osei Tutu II foundation he has seen the education of countless numbers of hundreds if not thousands of young adults not only from the Asante kingdom and also from other regions in Ghana including where I come from.”
“Today marking his 72nd birthday we do consider ourselves privileged to be celebrating with him”
The ambassador went on to note that the “festival is more than a festival, “as it contributes to the growth of the economy, exposing Memphis’s culture and heritage and fostering partnership.
It was during the Black Star Black Tie Gala celebration that Juabenmanhene, Nana Otuo Siriboe presented Asantehene’s Commemorative Gold Coin to the City of Memphis.
The coin launched on December 12 last year at the Manhyia Palace went international on the special day of the King, his Birthday.
Source: Opemsuo.com/ Monica M. Appiah-Manu
