U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay, Frank E. Baxter [ DOWNLOAD: HIGH-RES PHOTO | ORIGINAL WM AUDIO FILE ]

MESSAGE OF U.S. AMBASSADOR FRANK E. BAXTER IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 232nd ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Montevideo, Uruguay
July 3, 2008

AUDIO (delivered in Spanish)

Meeting and talking to the people of Uruguay is one of the privileges I most enjoy as the Ambassador of the United States to this country. Today, I would like to share a few reflections about the our national day, the Fourth of July, because it, like Uruguay’s Dia de la Independencia on August 25, is much more than a reminder of the founding of our countries.

These important dates affirm a commitment to democracy; the price we have paid for our freedom; and the responsibilities all of us must share if we want to assure that our children and grandchildren will enjoy the liberty and freedom that we have been blessed with.

Two-thousand eight will be a year of great change in the United States. The American people will elect a new president. Our new Chief of State will need to affirm the faith of people around the world in the United States and the role it has played for 232 years as a beacon of freedom and opportunity. Keeping food and fuel plentiful, affordable, and renewable; preserving our environment; and educating our young people are just a few of the challenges the new American president will confront.

Though we don’t know whom the people of the United States will elect, we feel confident we can rely on the friendship and support of the people of Uruguay.

I am personally grateful to all of you for making my stay in your country enjoyable and for giving me the opportunity to bring the people of our two nations closer together.

Original text, in Spanish.