Remarks by Ambassador Wilson

Indepedence Day Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Ross Wilson

Adana, Turkey

July 1, 2008

   Mr. Governor, Mr. Mayor, distinguished honorary consuls, distinguished guests, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends.  Welcome and good evening.  Thank you for joining this celebration of America’s Independence Day.

   We thank the many organizations whose donations have made possible this reception and others in Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir.  Their names appear before you here.  I also want to thank the Hilton Hotel for their generosity and support this year.  We look forward to the delicious food at tonight’s banquet.

   I also want to take a moment to recognize a very special employee of the U.S. Consulate – Ms. Maide Turkeser.  Maide Hanim will be retiring this month after 45 years of faithful service to the U.S. Mission in Turkey.  She has been an invaluable asset to our team, and will be missed greatly.

   On July 4, 1776, delegates to the Second Continental Congress proclaimed a new nation.  The words of the Declaration of Independence they approved have inspired millions to dream of and realize their own freedom.

   “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.... That to secure these rights governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

   As America, Turkey and other free peoples all over the world struggle with the day-to-day issues and the problem of making democracy work, these words remain our inspiration.  As our great nations stay firm with these values and a common commitment to defend our way of life, our friendship and alliance will be strong, and we can be confident about our future together.

Thank you for your attention.  Please enjoy the evening.