On Monday, October 7, 2024, Denver Sister Cities International proudly hosted a special oath ceremony at the City and County Building for the 2024 Denver Young Ambassadors to Kunming, China. These outstanding young leaders are preparing to represent Denver in Kunming, China, during the Yunnan International Sister Provinces/Cities Youth Exchange Week 2024.
Ceremony Highlights
Mayor Mike Johnston delivered inspiring remarks on the significance of citizen diplomacy and Denver's 38-year relationship with Kunming. He spoke about the importance of building global connections through youth engagement and fostering understanding between cultures.
Each of the Young Ambassadors shared their personal motivations for participating in the delegation, showcasing their enthusiasm for the upcoming journey. Mayor Johnston then administered the Citizen Diplomat Oath, appointing them as ambassadors of Denver.
Honoring John H. Yee’s Legacy
A special moment in the ceremony was the recognition of John H. Yee, a pivotal figure in establishing the Denver-Kunming Sister City relationship in 1986. John Yee’s service as a translator for the Flying Tigers during World War II and his lifelong dedication to strengthening ties between Denver and Kunming were honored. John Yee was posthumously awarded the People’s Republic of China Commemorative Medal, recognizing his outstanding contributions. His son, Rick Yee, was present at the ceremony to share this prestigious medal and s his father’s legacy. The moment served as a powerful reminder of the importance of people-to-people diplomacy and the foundation that John Yee helped build between Denver and Kunming.
