Programs and Events
Celebrating the 230th Anniversary of American Independence
July 3, 2006Ambassador Krajeski's Independence Day Speech:
Mr. Minister, Honored Guests, Friends, and Fellow Americans,
I am happy to be here tonight with you to celebrate the 230th anniversary of American independence. I am especially glad to see so many of our Yemeni friends joining us in celebrating Yemeni-American friendship.
Throughout its history, America has meant many things to many people.
To a young Harvard student in 1980, it was a land where an idea to write a software program could make him a wealthy man, and then inspire him to spend his fortune fighting malaria in Africa.
To a young black preacher in America’s south in the 1960’s, it was a country that would finally grant to all people regardless of religion or race those basic rights on which America was founded.
In 1896, to a sixteen year old girl in Nowy Bielun, Poland, America was a distant land, a dream, a place to make a new beginning, and give her children and grandchildren a better life.
I am one of those grandchildren.
America is built on a system of government that is both ancient and new.
Democracy –the rule of the people—binds us all – Bill Gates, Martin Luther King, Anna Tushinska-- together. Democracy has enabled us to survive during times of war, economic depression, and crisis, and to thrive in times of peace and prosperity.
At the democracy conference a week ago in Sanaa, Yemen’s leaders recommitted themselves to building a democracy.
President Saleh said that there was no other reasonable choice. Yemen must have democracy.
Yemen’s history has been hard. Its people have suffered under harsh dictators, foreign rule, and crushing poverty. Only 12 years ago Yemenis fought each other in a cruel civil war.
Mr. Minister, America stands with you as you and your countrymen strive to build a strong, prosperous, and democratic Yemen.
Americans, too, fought a bloody civil war to preserve our country.
On this day, July 3, one hundred and forty three years ago, the decisive battle of the American Civil War ended.
During three days of fighting, more than 57,000 Americans were killed or wounded in the fields and forests near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Five months later, President Abraham Lincoln, traveled to Gettysburg to dedicate a cemetery to those who had fallen in that terrible battle.
His words on that occasion are well-known to all Americans. He finished his speech, as I shall finish mine, with these words that I humbly re-dedicate to all Americans and Yemenis who have struggled to build and preserve democracy in our two countries.
Lincoln said:
" It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
God bless Yemen. God Bless America.
May there be peace in the Middle East.
Thank you.