Speeches and Transcripts
The 233rd Independence Day Reception
Ambassador Kathleen Stephens
Habib House
Thursday, July 2, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Good afternoon, and welcome.
Speaker of the National Assembly Kim Hyung-o, Ministers, National Assembly Members, Ambassadors, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us for our “birthday party” -- to celebrate the 233rd anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. You honor us with your presence.
Thank you to Insooni, our great friend, for her moving performances of the national anthems of the United States and the Republic of Korea. Thank you to our U.S. Marine detachment, the U.S. 8th Army Band, and the American Chamber of Commerce and its members for making this event their event too.
233 years ago, in Philadelphia, on a muggy July day, a group of farmers and small businessmen gathered to sign a document that declared the birth of a new nation. And so a new country called the United States of America was born. It was not an easy birth. But every year since on the fourth day of July we celebrate that day when the Declaration of Independence was signed, giving voice to the aspirations that still define our nation. And every year Americans everywhere – in addition to enjoying good food and good company – renew our commitment to democracy, tolerance and justice.
I can think of no better place to renew that commitment than here in the Republic of Korea. The birth of Korean independence and Korean democracy were also not easy. But how much Korea has achieved, and in how short a time.
My first Fourth of July in Korea was spent in the countryside, in 1976, the American Bicentennial. And although I was far from home and there were no hot dogs or hamburgers to be found, I recall the enthusiasm my Korean friends brought to sharing that special anniversary.
Today, 33 years later, the bonds between the United States and Korea are deeper and stronger than ever. And none is more important than our shared commitment to democracy.
So, I would like to propose a toast. To the continued strengthening of the friendship between the people of the United States of America and Korea, and to continued vitality of our great democracies! 건배 제의를 하겠습니다. 양국 국민의 지속적인 우정과 그리고 우리의 위대한 민주주의를 위하여!