Speeches

Remarks to the American Community on July 4th celebration

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

July 6, 2002

Today we honor the triumph of 226 years ago, when a small group of troublemakers from a poor land decided to fight against the most powerful nation in the world.

John Adams wrote that this day should be "solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

We celebrate what the Founding Fathers created - a republic that limits government, promotes human liberty, replaces tyranny with the rule of law, provides the basis for prosperity, and requires responsibility of its citizens.

Our nation has faced many challenges over these 226 years. Yet in our response to them is the source of our strength. Occasionally history knocks at our door and we must earn the right to be called Americans. Our current trial is both a test and a chance for renewal. July 4 is the day when we celebrate our freedom, but also when we remember that there are times when we must be prepared to deserve it.

Last year, our homeland was brutally attacked. Now our military is engaged on far-flung fields of battle. We will meet this challenge as we have met those in the past. We will continue to be the Land of the Free as long as we are willing to be the Home of the Brave.

Let us draw strength from the patriots of the Revolution, and let us renew our commitment to their cause, as it is now our cause. And we might well begin, as John Adams suggested, with expressions of gratitude to God.