Press Releases 2012
U.S. Embassy Celebrates Independence Day
July 3, 2012
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly warmly welcomed guests at the celebration of the 236th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America, held this evening at the Hilton Hotel Habtour Grand in Sin El Fil. The attendees represented a wide array of Lebanese society, including national and local government officials, religious leaders, Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces officers, business executives, academics, media personalities and civil society members. She further thanked the generosity of the U.S.-related companies in Lebanon and the American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce for their generous support of the evening’s event.
In her remarks, Ambassador Connelly said, “The U.S. Constitution remains the basis on which we arbitrate the often conflicting interests of Americans, maintain the balance between the powers of the federal and local governments, and ensure the protection of the rights of all Americans, especially minority communities. We may not all agree with each other, but we have all agreed that we will respect the law and the decisions of the courts on the validity of our laws. It is that fundamental respect for the rule of law and the principles of our governing structure that allows us to fulfill the words on the seal of the United States, ‘E Pluribus Unum,’ or, ‘From Many, One.’
Lebanon’s history has also been one that focuses on union, recognizing that the various Lebanese communities are stronger together than they are individually. Out of many communities, there is one state. The process of perfecting a union is not an easy job, and it is one that the United States has been working on for the past 236 years. Based on our own history and experience, we are partnering here in Lebanon with the Lebanese government, civil society, and people to promote Lebanon’s independence, sovereignty, and stability.
I would like to express our wish for the Lebanese people, that the state of Lebanon will find itself inspired to form its own version of a ‘more perfect union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty.’ After so many years of conflict, the Lebanese people know the value of working for consensus, of finding the means to arbitrate contending interests. They are also forward looking, focused on a brighter future for themselves and Lebanon’s youth in a nation that preserves the country’s diverse makeup, its democratic ideals, and provides prosperity and opportunity for all.”