Ambassador
Ambassador's Speech
AMBASSADOR WAYNE REMARKS AT FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
July 4, 2008
Good evening to all! I would like to welcome you to our 4th of July celebration. We are delighted to have all of you with us this evening. I hope you have had, and will continue to have, an enjoyable time.
This is the United States’ birthday. It is being celebrated across the United States, in US embassies around the world today and in many other places outside of the United States where Americans are gathered. Two hundred and thirty-two years ago, 56 of our nation’s founding fathers signed their names to a Declaration of Independence, based on their conviction about the importance of liberty and justice and of resisting tyranny. That act set in motion the creation of our republic and our democracy. July 4, 1776 marked a new beginning of what has been a long and at times difficult journey to build our nation and to perfect our deliberative form of democracy. That journey continues today, as can be seen by our current presidential election campaign.
It is my pleasure to introduce to you Sebastian Sorarraini, a baritone with the Teatro Colon, who will be singing both the Argentine and US national anthems. The lyrics of the two anthems were written within two years of each other, when both countries were still solidifying their sense of direction in the early 1800s: a reminder of the values and aspirations that our forefathers shared.
Sebastian, por favor...
[US and Argentine anthems sung by Sebastian Sorarraini]
Sebastian, thank you very much for those moving renditions of our national anthems.
Before I close, I would like to thank all of the American companies who have sponsored our event this evening. Without their generous support, this quality of celebration could not be possible. I hope you have seen the banners on the steps that list all the names of these companies. Their generous contributions are very much appreciated.
I also would like to acknowledge two Argentines whom we honored earlier this evening for their outstanding contributions to fostering US and Argentine relations.
Norma Gonzalez was recognized for her leadership of the Fulbright program in Argentina. She has done tremendous work in support of academic exchanges between Argentine and North American students, teachers, professors and researchers, building invaluable mutual understanding.
Maria del Carmen Galloni was recognized for her contributions to the GLOBE program. GLOBE is a worldwide program that helps elementary and secondary students and teachers learn about the earth and the environment. Maria has played an essential role in linking US and Argentine students, teachers and scientists in this valuable effort to learn together about our world and about the importance of protecting our environment.
Their dedication to building mutual understanding is invaluable.
These two women have made much to generate important ties between both countries and to promote cooperation between our people.
Thank you all again for coming. It is a pleasure for my wife Pamela and me to have you in our home. Please enjoy yourselves.
