ambassador remarks

National Day Speech

July 2, 2008

Ambassador Richard W. Graber 

President Sobotka, Speaker Vlček, President Havel, distinguished representatives of the Czech Republic, fellow members of the diplomatic corps, ladies and gentleman – thank you for being here today to celebrate America’s 232nd birthday! 

Vážený pane předsedo Sobotko, vážený pane předsedo Vlčku, važený pane presidente Havle, vážení představitelé České republiky, členové diplomatického sboru, dámy a pánové – děkuji Vám, že jste dnes přišli s námi oslavit dvousté třicáté druhé narozeniny Ameriky!

Two hundred thirty-two years ago, a group of courageous statesmen gathered at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and produced one of the most elegant and remarkable political documents ever created – the Declaration of Independence.  Its genius lay in its singular commitment to the sanctity of freedom, in its moral clarity, and in the conviction that all people are created equal.  More than two hundred years later, that message endures, and gives great hope, comfort, and inspiration to countless people around the world. 

Ninety years ago, on October 26, 1918, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, standing on the steps of the same Independence Hall, read out his nation’s Declaration of Independence. Behind him, a replica of the original Liberty Bell loudly rang out, proclaiming yet again another free and democratic state. 

Over much of the next century, our partnership and commitment to democratic values endured the trials of wars and ideologies which choked off the promise of freedom.  In the closing years of the last century, after far too long, we once again witnessed the rebirth of a proud, free, and democratic Czech nation. 

Though we have overcome many challenges together, the world remains a dangerous place. We have learned too often the enormous price of inaction. That is why our two countries are fighting extremism and intolerance in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.  Today I would like to extend the thanks and gratitude of the American people for the Czech Republic’s valuable support in these campaigns. Most of all, I would like to thank you for your unprecedented contribution in establishing a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Logar Province, Afghanistan. 

Of equal importance to freedom and security is the Czech engagement on Missile Defense.  That decision by the Czech government was recently endorsed by all of the NATO allies at the ministerial meeting in Bucharest. In the coming days, Secretary of State Rice will arrive in Prague to sign the Ballistic Missile Defense Agreement with Foreign Minister Schwarzenberg. And Europe will be safer tomorrow because of Czech contributions today.

Other benefits will flow from this cooperation: working hand in hand with the United States, a whole world of research, development and technology with untold promise awaits a new generation of Czech scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs.  

And we are not the only ones who admire the historic courage of the Czech Republic.  Czechs are esteemed around the world for promoting human rights in some of the most troubled places. From Burma to Cuba to Belarus, Czech diplomacy has advanced the cause of individual rights and freedom.

Soon the Czech Republic will assume the EU Presidency and lead the European Union in the areas of democracy promotion, human rights, transparency, and other fundamental issues.  As your friend and ally, the United States will offer our support every step of the way.

Our two nations’ enduring ties are, of course, not only based on political and military cooperation – though that is vital – but on the power of people to people diplomacy.  More American students than ever before are studying in the Czech Republic.  And, over the last two years, record numbers of Czechs have applied for visas to visit our country.  The trend of increasing personal interaction will only grow:  I am happy to announce that by fall, we expect to see the first Czech tourists and business travelers going to the United States at long last without a visa.  This is a truly significant accomplishment for our countries, reflecting our shared values and mutual respect.   

Finally, on a personal note:  I am gratified by the hospitality and generosity Czechs have shown me and my family over the last two years.  In that time, we have made more than 50 trips around the country and experienced first-hand the historical wealth, the incredible talent, and the beauty that reside in the Czech lands. 

Nakonec mi dovolte osobní poznámku: jsem vděčný za pohostinnost a velkorysost, kterou mně a mojí rodině Češi v uplynulých dvou letech projevovali. Za tu dobu jsme navštívili vice než padesat míst v zemi a na vlastní oči jsme poznali historické  bohatství, neuvěřitelný talent a krásu, kterou oplývají země české.