speeches 2007

Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey D. Feltman at the BRASS Independence Day Celebration

June 30, 2007

This coming week, the United States of America celebrates 231 years of independence. As we gather with our American Embassy family and friends tonight, this feels just like a July 4^th celebration should:  relaxing and fun, tables laden with food and burgers sizzling on the grill.

I’ve always enjoyed this mid-summer holiday but as U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, I’ve thought more about our history as I’ve witnessed the struggle of the Lebanese people for their freedom and democracy, independence and sovereignty.

And as I’ve observed both the exhilarating and tragic events of the past three years, I appreciate even more the bravery and sacrifices of those Americans who fought to protect and preserve the unity, independence and democracy of the United States.   To my surprise, I see some similarities in the struggles of the American and Lebanese peoples to achieve genuine independence.  And I recognize that winning freedom and forging a viable union out of diversity, particularly when some are trying to restore the old order, is neither quick nor easy.    

I appreciate how fearful and uncertain the Americans must have been about severing ties with Great Britain to face the future as an independent state – particularly when success seemed so unlikely.  But now, 231 years later, as we celebrate Independence Day, there is no question that the signers of the Declaration of Independence made the right decision.  We know that our potential would never have been realized had we remained under a foreign mandate, no matter how benevolent. Our history also proves that diversity does not have to mean disunity.  

And what about the long list of angry grievances against a “tyrannical” Great Britain that prompted the signers of the Declaration of Independence to act?  Independence from British rule did not condemn us to permanently hostile relations.  Today, the United States is proud to count the United Kingdom as its strongest ally and partner.  But our deep friendship with the United Kingdom, rooted in so many ties between our countries, did not blossom until the British government recognized and respected our sovereignty.   

As our Founding Fathers pledged to work with each other to realize their vision, so too do we pledge our support to the Lebanese people as they seek to secure an independent, sovereign, prosperous, democratic and united Lebanon.  We know from our own historic experience how difficult it can be to define common goals, build a national consensus and establish a democracy.

But the Lebanese are not alone in their struggle.   In celebrating our American independence today, July 4^th, we celebrate also the partnership of our two diverse and democratic countries —Lebanon and the United States.  The strong ties that bind our peoples today connect also our two countries, now and in the future.