Official Speeches and Remarks by Ambassador Anne E. Derse

US Ambassador’s remarks at US Independence Day event

July 3, 2008

Thank you for joining me today to celebrate the 232nd anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.

As I invite you to join me in raising a glass in a toast, I also ask you to join me in celebrating an idea, a concept that lies at the core of American values, that shapes our national identity and our policies. That idea is freedom.

Our early leaders, inspired by the great thinkers of the Enlightenment, embarked on a radical course of action for the 18th century. They sought for the first time to apply the concept of individual rights and freedoms as an explicit basis for national government. Justification for declaring independence rested on the idea of “inalienable rights” articulated in July 1776. With independence achieved, a decade later our Constitution provided a Bill of Rights and an innovative governmental system designed to defend and advance personal liberty.

On this day, Americans remember not only their Founding Fathers and patriots; they acknowledge the philosophical legacy of those who had earlier conceived of a new relationship between government and a free citizenry. Americans also remember and honor those from other countries who were inspired by the idea of freedom and came across the seas to assist in a revolutionary cause: Pulaski from Poland, von Steuben from Germany, and Lafayette from France, to name just a few.

As you know, it took time for all Americans to fully enjoy the freedoms proclaimed by our Declaration of Independence and Constitution more than 200 years ago. But, it was the embodiment of these principles in 18th century law that led to the continual expansion of personal freedoms in the United States into our own century. America, along with other members of the international community represented here this evening, take pride in the acceptance of the concept of “universal human rights” by the United Nations, enshrining freedom as a universal value in the modern world.

The independence of the American colonies and the founding of the United States were historically significant because they rested on the concept of freedom. At the same time, the United States could not have achieved independence without the sacrifice of men and women who risked their lives and fortunes. Thus, on this day Americans remember those who fought to secure our precious rights, and we honor those of later generations who have and continue to serve the cause of freedom, both at home and throughout the world.

To my Azeri friends, we recognize that this year marks the 90th anniversary of your struggle to achieve lasting independence and secure the benefits of freedom for every Azerbaijani. The United States will remain a strong friend and partner as you as you strive towards these goals.  As we mark American Independence Day, our national holiday, I would like to propose a toast to independence and freedom.

Thank you.