Speeches

Chargé d'Affaires Virginia Blaser
Remarks at the July 4^th Reception to Celebrate the 233^rd Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America

July 4, 2009
Macarty House, Vacoas

The Right Honorable, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, President of the Republic of Mauritius; and Lady Jugnauth

Honorable, Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, Prime Minister;

Members of the Diplomatic Corps;

Sponsors;

Distinguished guests;

Good Evening and Welcome to Macarty House for the celebration of America’s 233rd year of independence.  This night would not have been possible without the generous support of all our Sponsors.  I refer everyone to your invitations, which list our sponsors, and to our slide show in the back showing the American companies and importers of American Products who have so kindly supported this celebration.  Many thanks to each of you.

Having served 20 years in the diplomatic service, I have to say how tickled I am to be here tonight hosting – for the first time – an official Fourth of July event.

It is particularly special for me; when I can look out and see NOT contacts and fellow diplomats and colleagues, but people I very much consider my friends, my family and my community. 

And as to location, there is no better place to host this event than in Mauritius, where we share both profound historical ties and present day values.

Many of you know, for example, that Mauritius stands as one of our longest diplomatic relationships in the world.  It was in 1794 that George Washington sent our first Consul, for whom this house is named, to Mauritius. We’ve had a presence here for 215 years.  Perhaps less known is the historical lore that the ship used by Lafayette, the French General who served under George Washington, was built in Mauritius and sailed to the Americas to serve in the American revolution. 

In addition to these and many other historical ties, we also share, “common values and goals, such as respect for and promotion of democracy, human rights and good governance.”   Prime Minister Ramgoolam, you may recognize that text from your recent letter to President Obama.

And so I reflect that, besides celebrating our own independence and birth as a nation, we are also celebrating something universal. 

On July 4, 1776, 233 years ago today, the Congress of the United States of America agreed upon the text of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.  Having announced our intent to be independent of King George and the abuses of colonial power, the words of Thomas Jefferson provided an ideal toward which our country still strives:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The common values and ideals brought our two nations together 215 years ago, and they keep us together today.  But it is our shared respect and friendship which bring us together today in celebration, of our independence and our freedom.

When I asked my children and the folks at the Embassy what they liked and wanted most for July 4, it was unanimously for a taste of America.  For the Americans here tonight, we all think back fondly to warm summer nights celebrating this day with joy and festivity.  (For my part, I remember such happy abandon in the day that – for about ten years -- I lost a pair of shoes every July 4th )

So tonight, we are sharing with you a celebration which is being echoed throughout America today – in big cities, and small towns, in parks, beaches, and little village squares.  We bring you our traditional July 4 fare – from hamburgers to corndogs to homemade chocolate chip cookies and (my kids’ favorite) caramel apples.
 
To us, this is an event of friends and family and community gathering together.  And the idea of the day being so goes back to our founding fathers.  The man who would a few years later become the second American president, John Adams, wrote to his wife Abigail the following hope about the coming moment of Independence, predicting it would be, and I quote:
“the most memorable … in the history of America.  I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.  … It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Adams hoped that, from the first year until today, we would be having fun remembering this day. 

So, for those of you accustomed perhaps to the more formal sort of national day celebration, we ask for your indulgence and perhaps a bit of kid-like enthusiasm.  Relax (take off your tie), try new and “exotic” foods (!), join us on the dance floor, watch your children racing about and laughing, and celebrate this day of American Independence with us.

And for a few hours, let this spot be small town America…we may be on the other side of the globe and far from home, but we have the most important ingredient to enjoy this day – our friends and family and community celebrating together.

Have a great evening. (and I hope a few of you – or at least your children -- lose your shoes!)

Thank you.

Happy Independence Day!!!!