As we gather here today, witnessed by the world, we bid farewell to you, Dear Handshake ...

You entered into our collective lives a sign of respect and a promise of peace and sincerity, your history recorded as far back as the Greek and Roman eras. You have sealed countless deals worth fortunes immeasurable.

Today, in 2020, we bid you a fond farewell.

In your passing, we can assure you that you will be missed but most certainly replaced by new rituals. You will, however, never be forgotten. You may be replaced by a bow, a double-cheek brushing, a fist-bump ....future time will demonstrate. Rest assured, there will be many impostures seeking to replace you.

Those of us who lived during your lifetime will always celebrate you and in honesty, we may also come to laugh and mock you. But do not misunderstand that our mocking may only be an awkwardness that comes from within each of us. We will treasure having been witness to your lifetime.

Thank you, on behalf of the world, for your dedication to promoting honour, quality of intentions and promises of sincerity and genuine hospitality. 

From all of us, Dear Handshake, may you Rest In Peace.