Remarks on the Occasion of United States Independence Day
Ambassador Janet A. Sanderson
July 3, 2008
Your Excellency, the Minister of Foreign Affairs;
Distinguished Representatives of the Government of Haiti;
Colleagues of the diplomatic corps;
Honored guests;
My fellow Americans;
I am delighted to welcome you to this celebration of the 232nd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. This year, we are proud to welcome you to our new Embassy compound.
For us, this building is more than just concrete and marble. It symbolizes the continuity of our relationship with Haiti and the enduring strength of the ties between our two countries. As you tour the building, and I hope that you will, remember our shared history, history we celebrate here tonight.
That history comes alive in the portraits on the second floor of the chancery of more than 40 American Ministers and Ambassadors who have served in Haiti since 1862. This gallery is a vivid illustration of the long history of friendship and cooperation between our two countries. (more)
