Projev CDA Mikea Dodmana při příležitosti oslavy Dne nezávislosti USA

Vážený pane předsedo Senátu, vážení členové vlády, vážení hosté, kolegové, dámy a pánové. Mám dnes tu čest vás zde přivítat, abychom společně oslavili 246 let od vyhlášení americké nezávislosti.

Let me start by recognizing the terrific work of the Color Guard from Marine Security Guard Detachment Prague, and the beautiful rendition of the U.S. and Czechs national anthems by Pavlina Horakova. Thank you!

For me, this is a very special Fourth of July. My wife, Joan, and I are thrilled to be back in Prague after 14 years. In a long career as an American diplomat, the very best 4^th of July celebrations we experienced were here on this beautiful lawn at this historic property that I am happy to call home for a few months. Thank you for being here to share this very special evening with Joan and me and the entire U.S. Embassy team.

Tonight’s celebration has special significance for another, less joyous reason. As we all know, the very same values that underpinned the U.S. Declaration of Independence – ideals like liberty, democracy, justice, and self-determination – are under direct attack just hundreds of kilometers to our east in Ukraine.

As we celebrate the anniversary of American independence, let us be sure to remember and pay respect to the people of Ukraine who are fighting for the same timeless principles at this very moment.

Indeed, our current moment in history reminds us that the struggle for freedom and liberty is eternal – both worldwide and at home.

In the United States, that struggle did not end 246 years ago when 13 colonies won their fight for self-governance.

From the abolition of slavery to the women’s rights and civil rights movements, generation after generation of Americans have fought to ensure that their children would grow up in a society that is more free, more fair, and more just.

The struggles and achievements over the 246 years since American independence underscore the preciousness of our freedoms and remind us not to take them for granted.

This is a lesson shared by our Czech Allies. From the days of the First Republic, through the Nazi occupation and the Communist era, the Czech people have struggled and ultimately persevered in their own pursuit of liberty and democratic self-governance.

That history informs our present. It came as no surprise to me to see the amazing outpouring of generosity and support from the Czech government and Czech society toward our Ukrainian friends over the past few months.

Similarly, the Czech Republic’s leadership within the European Union and NATO, and your continued commitment to the human rights legacy of President Havel, further illustrate how we can learn from the past and continue to work toward a freer, more just world, even – or perhaps especially – during these difficult times.

Today in Madrid, Czechs and Americans are meeting with our NATO partners; in 2 days the Czech Republic will take over the presidency of the Council of the European Union. As a long-time friend of the Czech Republic, let me use this opportunity to wish the Czech government the best of luck in assuming this leadership position at a critical time for Europe. The United States looks forward to continuing to work closely with you to further strengthen transatlantic relations, promoting peace and prosperity for the United States, for the Czech Republic and for all of Europe.

Friends, colleagues, honored guests: As we come together today to reflect on 246 years of American independence, recognize that our work is still cut out for us. Let us acknowledge that the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness remains unfulfilled for too many people.

Let us offer our respect to those who are putting their lives on the line for those principles as we speak.

And let us renew our commitment to work together as friends and Allies to protect, preserve, and promote our shared values.

Ladies and gentlemen, happy Independence Day. Please enjoy the festivities and the fantastic food and drink offered by our generous donors. Let me acknowledge and thank our sponsors for their support, and also thank the incredible team from the Embassy that put together this event.

Finally, please join me in a toast: to the U.S.-Czech partnership, to our shared values, and to 246 years of American independence. Na zdraví.