Remarks

Remarks by Ambassador Patricia A. Butenis at the 230th Independence Day Celebration

Dhaka

July 4, 2006

Foreign Minister Morshed Khan; Ambassadors; distinguished guests, friends, and colleagues – A Salaam–u-Aleikum, and good evening.

Tonight, we gather to commemorate the 230th Anniversary of American independence. On July 4, 1776, representatives of the 13 American colonies gathered in my home town of Philadelphia signed the Declaration of Independence, declaring their separation from Great Britain and affirming the then radical conviction that all men are created equal and that all men are endowed with the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  That document is the foundation of the democracy that Americans still enjoy today and the reason that we are gathered in celebration this evening.

This date is a significant one, for along with the anniversary of our country’s founding, it is also the 180th anniversary of the death of two of our most influential presidents, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.  Both Jefferson and Adams died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Although the two were opposing candidates in one of the most acrimonious of America’s presidential elections, Adams peacefully conceded to Jefferson.  The two set their partisan differences aside and became lifelong friends and collaborators.  These two men embody the principles of a peaceful democracy, one in which the will of the people reigns supreme, a government that is truly “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

While we take this time to celebrate democracy, we must not forget that democracy is not an ideal to be taken for granted nor that millions of people in the world still live without full democratic rights.  Many still fight for the rights that we take as our due, the fundamental rights of free expression, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and democratic rule based on law.  No celebration of independence is complete without taking time to remember those around the world for whom freedom and democracy are still just a dream.  As the beneficiaries of freedom, we have the opportunity, and the duty, to promote human dignity and human rights.   I am impressed by the continuing commitment of Bangladeshis to maintain their hard-won democracy and only wish that Americans would follow their example in turning out to vote in such high numbers.

Bangladesh and America are bound by more than just wars of independence from repressive regimes; we are bound by shared values of freedom, tolerance and moderation and a love of the ideals of democracy.  With the upcoming election in Bangladesh, we know that Bangladesh will remain vigilant against any threats to the core concepts and precepts of democracy.  It is vital to Bangladesh’s democracy and to the world community of democracies that the outcome of the election be accepted as a legitimate reflection of popular will.   Of course, someone, some parties must lose.  That is the nature of democracy, of politics in a free society.  Jefferson won, Adams lost.  But while parties may lose, the people will not, if the losing parties accept the people’s free and fair choice and go on to fight another day.

This is why Americans all across the world gather on this date to celebrate our country’s independence.  We gather not only to give thanks for the continuance of the democratic ideals that make our country great, but also to remember the long and enduring struggle to maintain these ideals.  We must all remember that this struggle never ends, not after 35 years, not after 230 years.  No country, no people can take democracy for granted.

I want to thank everyone for being here with us this evening for our celebration of democracy and I look forward to joining your celebration in January 2007.

 

Note:  A Bangla translation of this article is also available from the American Center.  If you are interested in the translation, please call the American Center Press Section (Tel: 88371500-4, Fax: 9881677; e-mail: DhakaPA@state.gov; Website: dhaka.usembassy.gov