But it is friendship of one people for another that assuredly guarantees peace and progress.”
His Majesty told members of the U.S. Congress that there was one tradition valued above all others for the Thai people – the commitment to family. He said, “The members of a family are expected to help one another whenever there is a need for assistance. The giving of aid is a merit in itself. The giver does not expect to hear others sing his praises every day; nor does he expect any return. The receiver is nevertheless grateful. He too, in his turn, will carry out his obligations.”
Now the King was speaking about the bonds and generosity among members of Thai families. But in retrospect, his words can just as easily be applied to the way that he lived his life. A life of always looking for ways to be useful to those in need. A life of giving, and of serving, every single day. Not to earn praise, not to get something in return, but rather because that is what one does for family. And His Majesty considered all the people of Thailand to be his family. How fortunate the Thai people were to have had His Majesty as a member of their family. And how fortunate we are to be able to learn from the way that this remarkable king chose to live his life.
Thank you.