Mr. Marcus REISTENHOFER, born July 4, 1982, works as an intern for the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, Los Angeles, from February 1st 2002 to December 20, 2002.

His fourteen-month internship is part of the Austrian Gedenkdienst Program (Remembrance Service), a recognized alternative to the mandatory Austrian military service and supported by the Austrian government.

As Austrian Consul General, I want to congratulate Mr. Reistenhofer for his outstanding work, which has contributed tremendously to the international reputation of Austria.
The received national and international media attention, as well as the many other positive reactions, indicates the importance of his service.

As a representative of Austria he performed a great service also for his employers, who expressed their gratitude as well as their absolute satisfaction on several occasions.

I thank Mr. Reistenhofer for his outstanding participation and I wish him all the best, good luck and success.

Peter LAUNSKY TIEFFENTHAL