ambassador speeches

Ambassador´s Remarks at 229th 4th of July Celebration

June 30, 2005

Too often we forget what a difficult birth this country of mine had.  It’s hard today to imagine the revolutionary war coming out differently.  But it certainly could have.  On that night in April 1775, when 77 American farmers and workers met 700 British troops at Lexington and the shot heard round the world was fired, few observers would have bet on the colonists.

At that time, the colonies had only about 1/3 as many people as the Czech Republic has today.  We had no army, few munitions, few roads, an infant economy.  However, we were fortunate enough to have many brave men who were willing to die for their, as yet, unborn country, and leaders who put their principles before their own private interests.  These men shared a belief in the universal rights of man.  These men, nine of whom were immigrants from Europe, had the courage to put their names on a document spelling out their political demands, an act that was considered treasonous at the time and could have led to their deaths.

That document, the Declaration of Independence, contained the revolutionary idea that people have rights simply because they are human beings.  That powerful idea has unified Americans at home and inspired others abroad for over two centuries.

When we celebrate the success of our own revolution, we also celebrate the success of other revolutions, be they velvet or orange…that have brought people the rights they deserve.

To those who have stood up to the oppressor and achieved freedom, we salute you and are happy to share this Independence Day celebration with you.

And to those still struggling against odds as difficult as those faced by the minutemen at Lexington, we say fight the good fight, for in the end, liberty will triumph.

I’d like to read you something from the President, “Today our nation has no intention of abdicating its leadership in the worldwide movement for independence…”  That was from a speech given by President Kennedy on the 4th of July, 1962.  Here’s another quote:  “Our aim is to build and preserve a community of free and independent nations, with governments that answer to their citizens.”  That was from President Bush’s State of the Union Address 6 months ago.  This is not an issue that divides Republicans and Democrats in the U.S.  Wherever there are people unjustly persecuted, people cheated out of their birthright by bullies and dictators, all Americans will continue to feel that we’ve got unfinished business.

July 4th is the time to think about what can be achieved by a small group of unselfish leaders and courageous citizens willing to stand up for what is right.

Please join me in drinking a toast to those inspiring individuals on both sides of the Atlantic.