Speeches

July 4th Message

Franklin L. Lavin - U.S. Ambassador to Singapore

July 4, 2002

226 years ago, a small band of trouble-makers declared that all people are endowed by their Creator with the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." We gather today to celebrate their courage and their success in bringing forth a new nation, as Ronald Reagan noted, the first nation established on the basis of an idea.

Over the past year, our country has been touched by some of the worst of human nature, but let us be inspired, with the grace of God, by the best of human nature.

We will not let the lowest in other people’s hearts stop us from the search for what is the highest in our own hearts. It was Ghandi who reminded us not to let anyone walk through our minds with dirty feet.

So today we are proud and resilient; joyous and grateful -- grateful for the sacrifices of those who have defended our liberties, and grateful for the friendship of so many here in Singapore and around the world who share our vision of a world that is peaceful, prosperous, and free.

And let the friendship between America and Singapore remind us of what a better world this would be if all countries exhibited the respect and understanding that we have here in this room and across our two nations.