Former Ambassador Pamela Hyde Smith Speeches

Ambassador Pamela Hyde Smith's Remarks at the ceremony celebrating the completion of the roof of The Adoration of the Holy Virgin church, Causeni

August 28, 2003

Mrs. Buzila, Minister Madan, President of the Raion Council, Vice-Mayor, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:

In July 2001, the United States Congress established a grant program called the "Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation." Our Congress believes, as I do, that cultural preservation offers us an opportunity to show a different face of America to other countries, one that is non-commercial, non-political, and non-military. As some of you may know, as a student I studied Art History, and the preservation and restoration of art has always had a very special place in my heart. I was especially pleased to be able to use my position as Ambassador to help preserve Moldovan culture.

The first time I visited the Adoration of the Holy Virgin church in Causeni I saw the historic value of the 15th century frescoes. But I also saw the terrible toll time and the elements had taken on this beautiful religious monument. The roof was leaking and every time it rained a little bit more of these wonderful works of art were washed away. Of course, supporting a new roof for this unique church doesn't sound very glamorous, but it is key to preserving this amazing part of Moldova's cultural heritage.

Today, we are here to celebrate the completion of the new roof, as well as reinforcements of the walls and interior archways, which will stabilize the church and allow the restoration of the Adoration of the Holy Virgin to its original splendor. In addition, I am privileged to announce that the U.S. Embassy in Moldova will be pleased to work in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and the Council of Causeni raion to complete a drainage system that will be the last step in stabilizing this monument.

I am proud of the work we have been able to accomplish together in preserving this piece of Moldovan culture. Preserving cultural heritage demonstrates one's respect for the past, pride in the present, and generosity to the future. I hope Moldovans of all ethnic backgrounds will visit this church and learn about the cultural treasure that exists here. It is not just for Moldovans of Romanian origin who can take pride in this place, but also Moldovans of other origin - Ukrainian-Moldovans, Russian-Moldovans, Gagauz-Moldovans, and all the others. The loving restoration of this church is happening today, in modern Moldova, and it will be handed down by all of you to all future Moldovans. You are creating history today. Every day in this country, Moldovans are creating their own common history - the history of a young, multi-cultural country with a rich heritage linked to many places and peoples.

In America, our ancestors came from all over the globe. Some came recently, others three hundred years ago. We are a young country, too. We are all - whether Russian-Americans, Romanian-Americans, or Italian-Americans - Americans first, making our history - together - every day.

I hope that through assisting in the preservation of this beautiful church we have also helped to highlight the common threads that run through a similar cultural diversity that is the Republic of Moldova.

Thank you.