Speeches

U.S. Swim Team Reception
Remarks by Ambassador Patricia L. Herbold
Shangri-La Hotel
August 1, 2007

 

Good afternoon!  On behalf of the entire American Embassy, I’m delighted to welcome you to Singapore.  I hope that you enjoy your stay, and that we’ll see you back here again before the Beijing Olympics.

It was suggested that I give a few minutes of motivational remarks.  That’s pretty funny. What could I possibly say to motivate a group of accomplished athletes who epitomize the highest level of motivational drive.  Your pursuit of excellence is an inspiration to Americans of all ages.  Whether it’s Don Schollander, Mark Spitz, Janet Evans, Michael Phelps, or perhaps one of you here today, most of us can remember watching an American swimmer wave Old Glory after a dramatic victory.

Diplomacy involves a bit of flag waving as well.  Let me take a few minutes to tell you a bit about what we do here in Singapore, and at embassies and consulates around the world.  Just as you all wear the American flag proudly on your caps in the pool when representing our country, we fly the flag proudly at nearly 200 embassies and consulates.

And just as you spend hours each day swimming countless laps, much of what we do in support of U.S. interests and American citizens can be very routine and not the kind of work that you’ll see in the headlines or hear on the TV news.  But each day, we work for you and for all Americans.

We protect Americans overseas in a variety of ways, including assisting those in distress.  We negotiate bilateral agreements that keep our skies and our ports safer.  We foster support for American foreign policies.  We promote trade and investment that increases opportunities for American companies.  And we sponsor exchange programs that enhance mutual understanding.

So, the next time you dive into a pool at a big swim meet, I want you to know that whether it’s in Singapore, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, or hundreds of other places all around the world, American diplomats are cheering for you.

Good luck in the next year as you prepare for the Olympics, and we look forward to watching you compete in Beijing.