Governor John Engler

Detroit -- Riverfront Promenade

Thursday, July 19, 2001

Happy 300^th birthday, Detroit!

Thank you, Mayor Dennis Archer.

It is good to see you, Beth Duncombe, Edsel Ford, and members of the Detroit City Council.

Thank you to the Mosaic Youth Theatre and Detroit Color Guard.

You've done a great job preparing for these festivities...the tall ships...the live entertainment...the delicious ethnic foods.

As Mayor Archer says, "Detroit knows how to throw a party."

Think of the 10 most populous cities in America -- New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, and so forth. Only two of them are older than Detroit. Only New York and Philadelphia were permanently settled before this city. Detroit is older than Chicago (1796), San Antonio (1718), and Los Angeles (1781). It is even older than other cities that we think of as practically ancient, like New Orleans (1718).

So reaching 300 in this country is quite an accomplishment.

Now, we don't measure a city's greatness only by anniversaries. We also measure it by achievements. And what achievements Detroit has had.

Ever since the day Cadillac stepped out of his canoe near this spot, Native Americans joined Europeans to found Michigan's first permanent settlement.

Then came great civic leaders like Father Gabriel Richard, who helped restore Detroit's institutions and "can-do" spirit after a devastating fire.

After that came the Freedom Fighters who made Detroit the Midnight Stop on the Underground Railroad for 40,000 people fleeing slavery.

Later came the Industrial Revolution, when Henry Ford perfected the auto-assembly line.

Then came the Second World War, when the Free World looked to the Motor City to be the Arsenal of Democracy.

Then the post-war era, when the world danced to the beat of Motown music.

Generation after generation after generation, Detroit has been a leader.

A lot of this city's leadership began right on this river, which served as a gateway, not just to Detroit, but to all of Michigan.

This promenade highlights the importance of the river. It was built with the help of $6.2 million of Clean Michigan Bond Funds -- an investment that underscores the state's commitment to partner with Detroit to the benefit of both of us.

So, happy birthday! May your next 300 years be as full of history, innovation, and achievement as your last 300 years.

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Now, it is my pleasure to introduce a man whose family name is synonymous with Detroit, a generous philanthropist, a tireless promoter of this city, and a good friend to all who love Detroit -- Mr. Edsel B. Ford II.