New Embassy Compound Ground Breaking
New Embassy Compound Ground Breaking Ceremony
H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia
Members of the cabinet
Mr. Speaker and members of the Liberian Legislature
The Dean and members of the Diplomatic Corps
Members of the International Community
The President of the University of Liberia Dr. Emmett Dennis
The Representative of the Department of State Overseas Building Operations Mr. Roy Chavera
Members of the Press
Chairpersons of the newly elected Locally Engaged Staff Association at the U.S. Embassy
Rebecca Jallah, Chairperson
Kemo Sambola, Vice Chair
Lawrence Blamah, Secretary
Franklin Johnson, Financial Secretary
Satta Jay, Treasurer
Fellow Americans
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen
Thank you for joining me and the U.S. Embassy family today to break ground on our new home. While preparing for this event, I have been thinking about the significance of this day and this place - Greystone.
Today we mark the ending of one chapter and the beginning of the next. Transitions that close one part of our lives and open the next are always bitter sweet. But it is important to stop and recognize that which we have overcome and celebrate the possibilities of a bright new future.
It is significant that the new U.S. Embassy will be built on Greystone. The history of Greystone parallels that of Liberia, each chapter touching a different segment of society.
Before we break ground and start anew,it is important to take a moment to write the final lines of Greystone’s previous chapter.
Many friends and family of people here today took refuge here during the fighting.
This event gives us an opportunity to pay tribute to all of our Liberian colleagues for their dedication even during the darkest days, many at extreme personal risk.
In particular, we want to acknowledge the loyal Intercon guards who stood their posts through it all even when eleven of their colleagues lost their lives defending the Embassy.
Though we are taking a step forward, we carry with us the memories of those who lived and died on these grounds. It is important to acknowledge these people and their compelling stories, which I believe embody the best aspects of Liberians – their warmth, kindness, and ability to live life to its fullest.
One of my favorite stories was told to me by Hersh Hernandez, the head of Intercon who was here throughout the conflict. Thousands had again sought refuge on these grounds. Despite the violence outside the walls, people made the best of their situation, setting up make-shift clinics, hair salons, cafes, and even a place for dancing. Throughout it all, people took care of each other and Greystone – preserving the buildings and grounds as best they could.
I cherish these stories of survivors, of people taking care of one another, of celebrating important moments despite tough times, and of amazing sacrifices so that others live today to tell the tale.
When our new home is complete there will be a memorial to ensure these people and their stories are not forgotten. With the lessons learned from our past held in our hearts, it is a time of new birth in Liberia.
The U.S. Embassy functioned throughout the war. Since the Peace Agreement was signed in 2003 our assistance to Liberia to support health, education, roads and bridges, rule of law, investment, electricity, peace and security has totaled almost two billion U.S. dollars.
In the same period, the Embassy staff has nearly quadrupled in size, to about 60 Americans and 250 Liberians working with Liberians to rebuild their country. We have outgrown our home and the construction of a modern embassy complex is a symbol of U.S. confidence in the future of the new Liberia.
The United States stood beside Liberians, and will continue to stand beside them in these momentous days. The building of a new United States Embassy marks an important milestone in U.S.-Liberia relations.