Talofa Lava and Thank you for joining us this evening as we celebrate the 239th Anniversary of America’s Independence Day.
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Nancy and I are grateful for the presence of all our new friends and special guests here tonight.
And....we want to offer thanks to our hardworking U.S. embassy staff - who have been pulling long hours for weeks to prepare this special event. We appreciate your service to our nation and your dedication to the mission in Samoa.
I want to single out one person for special mention – our Master of Ceremonies tonight and outstanding Deputy Chief of Mission, Peter Ganser.
Next week, Peter concludes his highly successful posting to Samoa - moving on to become our Senior Advisor for Antarctica Affairs in Washington, D.C. - where he will continue his remarkable service to our nation.
Nancy and I wish Peter and his wonderful wife Michelle - all the best in the future. Our Independence Day celebrates one of the most famous days in our history - July 4th 1776 - The day our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.
This document - is the backbone of who we are as a nation - and declared to the world that all men and women are created equal - and have the right - the inalienable right - to life - liberty - and the pursuit of happiness. From early in our history - America has reached out to those who share our common values of democracy - freedom - and human rights.
America first reached out to Samoa in 1839 when a U.S. scientific expedition reached these islands.
Soon thereafter - the United States formalized relations and posted our first Consul here. Our ties continue to grow stronger in our second century of friendship!
I know that the deeply rooted commitment the United States shares with Samoa - is based on ties of family - faith - and a wonderfully vibrant government-to-government partnership.
That’s why - on our Independence Day - Americans recognize the sacrifice and determination of the millions who have fought - and are still fighting to protect “life - liberty - and the pursuit of happiness” - both for ourselves and for others around the world.
This love of democracy is something we both share - Samoa and the United States remain united by our shared democratic values and our commitment to work as partners to promote peace and prosperity throughout the South Pacific.
So - as we celebrate our Independence Day - I would like to thank the Government and People of Samoa for your continued support - friendship - and willingness to work with us in so many important ways - to ensure that people throughout the world can enjoy those inalienable rights.
And now - please raise your glasses and join me in a toast:
To the courageous Americans who centuries ago claimed the right to freedom and democracy and to those Americans who defend it now; and to the enduring friendship between Samoa and the United States of America.
May God bless you all. May God bless Samoa. And may God bless America. Manuia!
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