MARCIA BERNICAT, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO BANGLADESH

America's Independence Day is not just the anniversary of the birth of our nation, it is a reminder of the enduring truth that a people can design their own future - one that constantly seeks to ensure the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all its citizens.  Each year, on the 4th day of July, we celebrate American democratic principles, which have helped shape the world. Before he died on the 50th anniversary of our independence, Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, anticipated our celebration today, writing, “For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”

Today I am happy to celebrate with you these rights and founding principles that have endured for 242 years—these universal rights and principles that, in many ways, connect our two countries and serve the common welfare of our citizens and the world. 

Thank you for celebrating our Independence Day with us!