Official American Independence Day Reception (July 4, 2008)
2008 Speeches
Official American Independence Day Reception (July 4, 2008)
U.S. Embassy
Belmopan
Good night and welcome … to our very first July 4th celebration held on the Embassy grounds in Belmopan.
We are extremely pleased to be able to host you here tonight. Our newly constructed Embassy represents the United States’ strong commitment to Belize as well as the longstanding, close relationship between our two nations.
Tonight, across the United States and in countries around the world, celebrations like this are taking place to commemorate the 232nd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
We gather not only in celebration, but also in gratitude - for our many blessings and for the abundant opportunities our country affords. So as we celebrate let us be ever mindful of our service men and women who serve in harms way and be grateful for those from every generation who have defended our nation and sacrificed to secure the freedoms and many blessings we enjoy. For the three Americans held hostage by the FARC, this is indeed a very special July 4th and we congratulate the Government of Columbia for its success in securing their freedom and reuniting them with their loved ones.
Today, Americans, both at home and abroad, celebrate our nation’s strong democracy, and the values that we hold dear - freedom, equality, and justice.
These powerful ideals for which the Founding Fathers fought make America a beacon of hope for people throughout the world. Between 2000 and 2006, over six million people became legal permanent residents of our country. That is an astonishing statistic and is testament that the United States is a shining example of what free people can achieve. Even more compelling is that some of those people risked their lives trying to reach our shores.
Though our history of independence stretches 232 years, people often forget that the United States, like Belize, was born from a colonial experience. As President Bush noted in this year’s Independence Day greeting: “More than two centuries ago, bold and courageous visionaries pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor in signing the Declaration of Independence. Guided by ancient and eternal truths, our forefathers proclaimed to the world that liberty was the natural right of all mankind and in doing so began one of the greatest chapters in human history. On the Fourth of July, our country commemorates the great achievements of these heroes and reaffirms its unwavering confidence in the power of freedom.”
Despite historical achievements, we recognize that at times our progress has not been easy. Over the last 232 years, we fought a civil war over the issue of slavery and we struggled with segregation and equal rights. We know first hand that “it takes hard work to live up to the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence. But those self-evident truths are real, they are alive and they inspire and bind us together.”
The President has noted on many occasions that freedom is the birthright of every man, woman, and child - that freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press - to name but a few - are the bedrocks of democratic and free societies.
We are fortunate, and should be thankful, that in both our nations we can voice differing political opinions - even express strongly dissenting views - without fear of imprisonment or reprisal; that we are free to worship or not worship as we choose; and, that we have the benefit of a media composed of many different voices – not just the government’s.
But, freedom can never be taken for granted. The preservation of freedom requires commitment and work. The United States remains strong and resolute in our commitment. We stand with those who govern wisely and democratically and oppose those who fear freedom, who repress political expression and who trap their citizens in poverty.
Belize recently had a transition of government in a free and open, democratic election. Voters were free to express their preference, without threat or intimidation. People had a free choice of candidates - to support or not support - from multiple parties offering competing ideas and visions of governance.
In November, the United States will hold its elections. All of us, Belizean and American, as citizens of free and democratic nations, can take great pride in our right to participate openly in the process of governance and to freely choose our political leaders.
Building on our common traditions, those of us who share democratic values should speak with one voice to promote the principles of the OAS Inter-American Democratic Charter and to use all appropriate avenues to encourage regimes to open themselves to democratic processes because social development, economic prosperity and democracy are interlinked.
It is an empirical fact that democratically governed nations “are more likely to secure the peace…promote economic development, protect [non-citizens], combat international terrorism and crime, uphold human rights…and improve the global environment.”
To guard our democracies, we as citizens must continually focus on our critically important traditions - respect for individuals’ basic human rights, a fair and transparent government, adherence to international treaties and institutions, support of a strong and independent judiciary, and a continuous investment in the education of our young people. In this, we build strength to confront transnational forces that threaten our security.
On Monday June 30th, President Bush signed the Merida Security Initiative to target the violence and corruption generated by organizations trafficking in drugs in our hemisphere. Under the Merida Initiative, the US Government and the governments of Mexico and Central America will partner to deal with the drug dealers, gangs and criminal elements that destroy lives, erode our social fabric, undermine our institutions, and threaten our security.
The U.S. is a generous nation - motivated by a spirit of helping others. Our contributions to last summer’s hurricane relief efforts and the recent flooding in the south; our training and assistance to the Belize Defense Force and the Coast Guard; our military’s humanitarian aid missions including health care and school construction; our funding for a range of other projects such as those that preserve the cultural heritage of Belize, address trafficking in persons, and combat the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS – all these demonstrate our commitment to the people of Belize and to a strong and secure Belize.
Our government aid is provided openly and transparently and is important, but Americans - though schools, religious institutions, companies, and foundations – give at least three to four times as much to the developing world than the amount of foreign aid dispensed by our government. People often overlook the enormous contributions made on a people-to-people basis, without government involvement.
This spirit of giving is evident when you visit even the remotest villages of Belize and find American missionaries, medical teams, teachers, students and school groups working to improve people’s lives.
And let’s not forget our 65 Peace Corps volunteers who work for a minimal stipend, but who contribute so much to understanding and friendship between the people of our nations.
The message of freedom is a powerful one. It allows individuals to develop their talents and potential leading to new ideas and advancements. The desire to perform public service and contribute to society’s greater good, to share good fortune with others, is the product freedom and equality. It is inherent in American spirit and it is evident in Belize.
As I look around tonight, I see many familiar faces who share the same enthusiasm and commitment to public service. The many friends I have met through the local Rotary Clubs, non-profit organizations, faith-based groups and chambers of commerce - who spend much of their valuable time and resources assisting their fellow citizens and building their communities – all are testament to the spirit of volunteerism and public service that permeates the American character and is so visible here as well.
This spirit of public service is just one of the natural outcomes of free and democratic societies and is but one of the striking similarities shared by the U.S. and Belize.
In addition to the important contribution that government and private assistance have made, private investment in the economy underpins economic progress. U.S. investment in Belize has contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth and can continue to do so in an environment that promotes and encourages investment.
This evening is a time to celebrate and appreciate our freedoms and our blessings. I look forward to building ever-stronger bridges of mutual respect, understanding and co-operation between our nations. And I look forward to strengthening and deepening our mutually productive partnerships.
I’d like now to offer a toast: to the country and people of Belize – to our two nations’ shared values and democratic traditions - and to the birth of the United States of America on this day 232 years ago.
Thank you all for joining us tonight to celebrate our 232 years of freedom and independence. I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening.