The American Dream isn’t just a dream, but a promise to keep striving, believing, and achieving, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said in her message to mark 248 Years of American Independence, celebrated on July 04th.
In a video message, Ambassador Chung said on Independence Day, “Americans commemorate not just the birth of a nation, but the enduring spirit of unity and freedom that defines us and the U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership.”
Full statement of US Ambassador Julie Chung :
248 years ago, nothing was certain about America’s experiment in democracy. We declared our independence with a bold statement of our principles, aspirations, and vision – “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. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
But American democracy did not begin and end with this declaration and the creation of a constitution. Democracy is not static; it is a process, a continued renewal of commitments to fundamental principles. We continue to wrestle with the meaning of our constitution and to make choices as citizens.
As President Biden said, one of the strengths of America is the right to free expression and free speech, even when it means raising our voices and criticizing policies we disagree with. We’ve seen protestors across the United States and here in Sri Lanka exercise these rights, advocating for different paths forward. Though dissent can be challenging, the United States welcomes it. This is the essence of our First Amendment, the right to freedom of expression.
It takes work to sustain democracy, and at times, it can seem fragile. But I have no doubt that we Americans will continue strengthening our democracy and pursuing accountability and integrity within our institutions of government.
As an immigrant to the United States, I have come to deeply appreciate the power and privilege of participating in a democracy, including the right to vote. But frankly, voting is not just a right; it is a profound responsibility that underscores the essence of freedom in any great nation.
July 4th also holds special significance for me. When my family moved to America, I didn’t understand why my parents would leave Korea for a land where I didn’t speak the language and where everything was so unfamiliar. Over time, I began to understand. I witnessed how, in the United States, with determination and hard work, my parents were able to achieve their dreams. My father, who started on the drafting floor at an engineering company, eventually designed a system for the space shuttle that allowed NASA to restart manned space missions. My mother, who began as a dishwasher, rose to become a senior librarian and church deacon. As someone who has lived the American dream, I am honored to represent the United States abroad.
As we celebrate today let’s remember that the American Dream isn’t just a dream; it’s a promise to keep striving, believing, and achieving. Today Americans commemorate not just the birth of a nation, but the enduring spirit of unity and freedom that defines us and the U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership. Here’s to democracy, friendship, and the promise of opportunity. Happy Independence Day! (Newswire)
