Embassy of the United States

Remarks by Ambassador Donald Booth
July 4, 2008

Thank you for joining us in celebration of the 232nd anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. It is especially wonderful to share this occasion with you at the new American International School of Monrovia.

Tonight we Americans and our friends throughout the world express our thanks to the Almighty, for we are blessed with a strong tradition and love for freedom. We pay tribute to our founding fathers who forged a new nation, based on the principles of freedom, democracy and self-reliance.
The Declaration of Independence asserted our inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It insured that Americans would be free to seek our own destiny – to realize our potential. The characterization of America as the “land of opportunity” is another name for the pursuit of happiness.

It is our proud tradition to be self reliant. That America has the largest economy in the world is testament to the power of self-reliance. Our economic blessings are due to the collective, on-going efforts of hard working men and women determined to create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. Simply put, Americans believe that if we work hard, we will be successful. This basic belief in ourselves is a self fulfilling prophecy. I can, therefore I will.
By nature, Americans are optimists. We understand that we the people create our own opportunity and determine our own destiny. But America’s fortunes have never been guaranteed.

Our opportunities have been born of adversity and of challenge. The western United States was developed during the 1800’s by pioneers who dreamed of making fortunes. Nearly one million people undertook a 2,000 mile journey across the Great Plains. Hunger and disease claimed one life of every ten who made the journey. But clearly the risk they took was a price they were willing to face to determine their own destiny.

In the early 20th century, immigrants arrived on America’s shores penniless and without jobs. Many didn’t even speak any English. They struggled to survive, often selling goods on the streets of our cities, working on farms or in low skilled manufacturing jobs. Most immigrants never accumulated much wealth, but they were determined to create opportunities for their children by ensuring the children attended school.

Then came the Great Depression in the early 1930’s when businesses and banks closed their doors, people lost their jobs, homes, and savings.
By 1933, more than 15 million Americans—one-quarter of the nation’s workforce—were unemployed. Over 32,000 businesses went bankrupt. Economically, Americans had reached rock bottom. The government helped the country recover by instituting major infrastructure projects – similar to those underway in Liberia today – and by encouraging the start of new businesses. More importantly, people came together to help each other rebuild.

America is constantly rebuilding. September 11, 2001 was a day that deeply challenged America. When my family and I visited Ground Zero in New York City four months ago, we saw photographic and written images of unspeakable horror. It brought to mind the senseless violence which plagued Liberia for 14 years. Yet, I saw at Ground Zero, as I do here in Liberia, that even in tragedy, men and women find strength and determination to rebuild. This is the power of self-determination.
At the funeral of his father, Robert Kennedy, brother of President John Kennedy, spoke of such resiliency.

"Our future may lie beyond our vision, but it is not completely beyond our control. It is the shaping impulse of America that neither fate nor nature nor the irresistible tides of history, but the work of our own hands, matched to reason and principle that will determine our destiny.”

I believe that Liberia, like the United States, is a land of opportunity and that the Liberian people will create their own bright destiny. As in the United States, economic growth in Liberia will not rest with the government and international partners, but rather with self reliant people who make a long term commitment to work hard to create for themselves, their families and their communities their own opportunities.

Liberia’s potential is vast. Virtually every sector of the economy - be it agriculture, transportation, construction, education, energy, information technology, medicine, tourism or any other service industry – offers opportunities for every person who is determined to work hard, to be creative and to trust in their own abilities – to be self reliant.

But self reliance does not imply being selfish. The importance of interdependence cannot be ignored. The surest sign of Liberia’s recovery will be measured by the level of investment, job creation and production of goods and services by Liberian business men and women. It is time for Liberians to bring their money home for investment. Moreover, the demonstrated willingness of Liberians to invest in their own country will have a dynamic impact on the willingness of foreign companies to invest here, too.
This has been a truly remarkable and historic year for the partnership between the United States and Liberia. The visit of President and Mrs. Bush – the first visit by a current U.S. President since 1978 - underscores our long standing and enduring relationship. America values a strong and united Liberia as our good friend.

The United States is proud to be supporting the Liberian people to improve their standard of living and maintain peace and stability. We are here to help, but Liberians themselves must do the hard work to reconstruct their lives and their economy.

In June, the U.S. Peace Corps formally opened its office -- here at the American International School. The first volunteers will arrive in September to help train Liberian teachers. I hope the presence of the Peace Corps will inspire Liberians to volunteer their skills, their intellect and their time to helping each other to expand that indivisible wealth of all. Later this year, my successor will break ground for a new American Embassy building in Monrovia; it will be a visible sign of America’s enduring partnership with the Liberian people.

I depart Liberia shortly, but I leave with renewed hope in the resilience, strength and determination of the Liberian people. There is cause for genuine optimism for the future of Liberia. I wish to thank the many government officials, international partners - official and non-official, and the Liberian people who made my time in Liberia so special and fulfilling. I know my successor, Linda Thomas Greenfield will be a close friend and partner to you all.

Lastly, I would like to express a very special thank you to the tremendously talented and hard working members of the American Embassy in Monrovia. Through your professional work and your charitable services outside the office, you have truly made a difference. It has been a privilege and an honor to work with each and every one of you.

Mr. Vice President - On the occasion of the 232nd anniversary of the independence of the United States, I would like to propose a toast --
To the health and prosperity of your Excellency and the Liberian people.