Remarks by Ambassador Eleni Tsakopoulos Kounalakis at the Independence Day Celebration

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, and Aloha! I am so pleased to welcome you all today to our American Independence Day Celebration! The Fourth of July holiday is special day to all Americans as we come together to celebrate the birth of the United States of America in 1776.

It is a celebration that binds us together as a country, even in times of conflict, political discord or economical distress. It’s a day to remember our common history. It’s a day that reaffirms the values of liberty, equality, democracy and self-determination that have sustained us as a people in days past and will continue to guide us in days ahead.

Today, on the 237th anniversary of that day, it is my pleasure to host this celebration with our friends here on the grounds of the Embassy’s Chief of Mission’s Residence.

As Rob said, this celebration would not be possible without the very generous support of our sponsors. Please join me in giving them a round of applause!

As most of you know, this is my fourth, and final Independence Day celebration as Ambassador. Serving as the US Ambassador to Hungary has truly been the honor and privilege of my life, and it is very hard to say goodbye. Hungary has made a lasting impression on my family, and for my two sons in particular. They are 11 and 12 years old now, and I can tell you that they will always consider Hungary as their childhood home. I will be leaving Budapest in several weeks, but know that I hope to return often and that no matter where I go, Hungary will always be in my heart. Thank you, or Mahalo as they say in Hawaiian!

We are very fortunate to have today, as our guest of honor, a man who is a great Hungarian, a great European, and a true transAtlanticist. It gives me great pleasure to introduce my good friend, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Janos Martonyi.

Source: U.S. Embassy Budapest

Photo: Ambassador Kounalakis delivers her remarks at the Independence Day celebration (Embassy photo by Anita Tenk)