Speeches  

U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt

LtGen Bishop, BrigGen Thorpe, naturalization candidates from our Armed Forces, distinguished guests, dear friends:

It is a great privilege for me to welcome you here to celebrate the 231st anniversary of the United States of America. Our Independence Day is first and foremost a day for gratitude. This week, Americans and friends of America around the world will reflect upon the prosperity and freedom enjoyed by an ever-greater proportion of mankind.

In 1776, America’s founders declared their independence with the following memorable words:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Those words continue to guide us and inspire us today. In the past 231 years, our country has achieved more than any of our founding fathers could have imagined. We Americans are rightly proud that our nation has withstood the test of time and maintained its dedication to the values upon which it was founded.

231 years ago our founders declared the independence of only 4 million people. This year, 300 million Americans will celebrate the Fourth. Independence Day is a wonderful opportunity for us to remember that many of our citizens have chosen to become Americans, drawn to the freedom and democracy we so cherish. Immigrants have enriched the fabric of our society, and without them we could not celebrate the United States we know today. This is why we are also honored this July 4th to welcome a new group of Americans into our midst, with a naturalization ceremony for some of the men and women who chose to fight for the United States even before it became their own country. Today we thank them for this great sacrifice, and we are proud and honored to call them our compatriots.
We here in Frankfurt are fortunate to live in safety, free from the danger these brave men and women have unflinchingly faced. We must never forget the debt of gratitude we owe to our troops, both German and American, who are deployed in places like Afghanistan. Through their continued efforts, we look forward to celebrating the independence and democracy of ever more people all across the earth.
Today, on America’s Independence Day, we also celebrate the bonds of friendship we share with Germany, and we salute our rich German heritage. More Americans trace their roots back to Germany than to any other country. We know how intertwined our roots are and how inter-reliant our future is.

We have long been the closest of friends and the greatest of allies.
These are not easy times. It would be naïve to say that the American values of freedom and liberty are shared in every corner of the world. But it was not easy, in 1776, for a small group to stand up for the rights and beliefs of Americans. And although it may still be difficult to press on, we will never give in, and never accept tyranny and oppression. As 231 years of our history has shown us, this truly is the American way.

I would like to share with you the President’s proclamation on this Fourth of July.


(Begin text)
I send greetings to Americans everywhere celebrating Independence Day.
Two hundred thirty-one years ago, 56 brave men signed their names to a bold creed of freedom that set the course of our Nation and changed the history of the world. On this anniversary, we remember the great courage and conviction of our Founders, and we celebrate the enduring principles of our Declaration of Independence.

Through selfless sacrifice and unrelenting determination, the patriots of the American Revolution ensured that our Nation's claim to liberty and equality would not be dismissed or forgotten. The ideals they fought for and the country they helped establish are lasting symbols of hope to the entire world.
Our commitment to America's founding truths remains steadfast. We believe that freedom is a blessing from the Almighty and the birthright of every man and woman. As our Nation faces new challenges, we are answering history's call with confidence that our legacy of freedom will always prevail.

On Independence Day, we express our gratitude to the generations of courageous Americans who have defended us and those who continue to serve in our country's hour of need, and we celebrate the liberty that makes America a light to the nations.
Laura and I wish you a Happy Fourth of July. May God bless you, and may He bless our wonderful country.
GEORGE W. BUSH
(End text)
Thank you very much, and happy Independence Day!

Now, I’d like to introduce Mr. Jeffrey Sapko, Officer in Charge of the Citizenship and Immigration Service, Department of Homeland Security, who will administer the oath of citizenship to our newest citizens. Please join me in welcoming them.