Remarks by
U.S. Ambassador Francis Ricciardone
at the Fourth of July Reception
U.S. Embassy, Manila
July 1, 2004
Undersecretary Seguis, Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador
Slavicky of the Czech Republic;
Secretary Principi of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
and other distinguished members of the delegation representing President
Bush at the inauguration of President Arroyo;
Leaders and officers of the three branches of the Government of the
Republic of the Philippines;
Dear colleagues of the Diplomatic Corps;
Distinguished Filipino and American leaders in business, academia,
sports and the arts;
Colleagues and friends:
Thanks to all of you for joining us in celebrating the 228th anniversary
of the Independence of the United States of America. May I offer a special
thanks to the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus, with soloist
Alexis Mussomeli, for performing our Filipino and American national
anthems in just a few moments.
And I extend particular appreciation also to the White House delegation
for making this year’s celebration special: Head of Delegation
Secretary Anthony Principi; Mr. James Cain; Mrs. Maryles Casto; Mr.
George Drysdale; Mr. Neal McCoy; and Ms. Susan Ralston. Thank you for
delaying your departure to join us before you must head to the airport.
It is a special honor and pleasure for me to return to the Philippines
just in time for the inauguration of your 14th President, and for my
third celebration with you in the Philippines of American Independence
Day – as well as Philippines-American Friendship Day. This 228th
anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence is a special
day for all Americans, but particularly for those of us serving our
country overseas in a time of great global challenges and opportunities.
We Americans in the Philippines have the good fortune to be celebrating
this historic event as guests of a country that just as proudly cherishes
the democratic values on which our own nation was founded.
This week has been an historic one: yesterday the Philippines inaugurated
its president. And President Bush not only sent a handpicked delegation
to convey his congratulations, but he also telephoned President Arroyo
yesterday to express his best wishes in person. And, two days ago Iraq
began to take control of its own national affairs -- a new beginning
in both nations. Meanwhile, Filipino and American soldiers and civilians
work side by side with Iraqis and with people of 30 other nations to
support Iraqis' aspirations for the blessings of freedom that we Americans
and Filipinos sometimes too easily may take for granted.
I return to the Philippines with renewed energy and spirit and I look
forward to getting back to work on the common interests that will move
our two countries’ relationship forward. During my absence, the
Philippines began its term on the UN Security Council. We salute the
Philippines for its leadership at the UN, its vigorous defense of democratic
values, and for the brave risks and sacrifices undertaken by the Philippine
contingent here and abroad in defense of freedom and peace. And, on
this Philippines-American Friendship Day, we join in congratulating
the Philippines for the successful conduct on your national elections,
as we look forward to our own American election campaign that will be
every bit as lively, as hard-fought, and as rejuvenating as yours.
Undersecretary Seguis, Ambassador Slavicky, dear guests, our White
House delegation, my embassy colleagues, and Marie and I join in thanking
you for honoring us with your presence today.
Let me now propose a toast to the good health and success of President
Macapagal-Arroyo, her family, her new government, and the new Congress
of the Republic of the Philippines; to the peace and prosperity of the
Philippines and the United States of America; and to the strength of
our alliance for “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”
for our own two peoples, and for all the peoples of the world.
Mabuhay!
