Speeches

Thank you, Bill.  Thank you all for coming out today to celebrate the 231^st birthday of the United States.  And a special thank you the American Association and the U.S. Navy, as well as to the generous sponsors and volunteers that David mentioned a moment ago – we quite literally would not be here without you!

We gather today – as Americans all around the United States and around the world will gather throughout this week – to celebrate the courage and convictions of our nation’s founders.  They declared on July 4, 1776, that “these United Colonies are, and of Right, ought to be free and Independent States.”  These patriots risked everything – their reputations, their livelihoods, and their lives – to establish the first nation founded on the basis of an idea.

The universal ideas of the Declaration of Independence ring as true today as they did 231 years ago.  As we celebrate this year, we reflect on the sacrifices of those who have defended our liberties throughout our history, including the men and women risking their lives today to bring freedom to other countries.

Thank you for coming up to Sembawang today to celebrate America’s 231^st birthday.  I wish each of you a very happy Independence Day.