Former Ambassador Pamela Hyde Smith Speeches

Ambassador Pamela Hyde Smith's Remarks on Independence Day 2003

July 4, 2003

Esteemed Madam President of Parliament, Honorable Ministers and Ambassadors, distinguished guests, my fellow Americans:

It is a great pleasure to be with you today to celebrate the 227th anniversary of the independence of the United States.

It is also a fitting moment to look back with satisfaction on the last year of significant developments in American-Moldovan relations, and to anticipate further progress in the future on the many issues we work on together.

I would now like to thank the many American companies who made generous contributions to this event: Asconi, Avon Cosmetics, Coca-Cola, DHL, Dole, Food Master International, Kodak, Kraft Foods, McDonald's, Pepsi Cola, Pro TV, and UPS. We also would like to thank the Presidential Band; your performance of our countries' national anthems was beautiful.

Every year the President of the United States issues a proclamation on Independence Day, and I would like to read to you a portion of President Bush's proclamation for this year:

On July 4, 1776, our founders adopted the Declaration of Independence, creating a great Nation and establishing a hopeful vision of liberty and equality that endures today. This Independence Day, we express gratitude for our many blessings and we celebrate the ideals of freedom and opportunity that our nation holds dear.

America's strength and prosperity are testaments to the enduring power of our founding ideals, among them, that all men are created equal, and that liberty is God's gift to humanity, the birthright of every individual.

On the Fourth of July, we are grateful for the blessings that freedom represents and for the opportunities it affords.

And, now in my own words and on behalf of all Americans living here in Moldova, I thank our Moldovan friends for helping us feel so welcome as we celebrate our national day and throughout the entire year.

Thank you very much, and Happy 4th of July!