The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi, cabinet members, ambassadors and other guests.

Recalling the U.S. Declaration of Independence of July 4, 1776, VanHorn said its founding principle that all people are created equal and are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness remains central to American identity and continues to inspire people worldwide.

She said these principles, also referenced by U.S. President Donald Trump, remain a cornerstone of the United States and a source of inspiration globally.

VanHorn said the United States had served for 250 years as a “beacon of hope” for those seeking freedom, adding that Albania had also undergone a significant transformation from isolation to democracy and Euro-Atlantic integration.

She praised Albania’s democratic institutions, saying they had been built on shared values of freedom and justice through civic engagement and sacrifice.

VanHorn also highlighted the contributions of two Albanians, Loni Adami and Kol Kuqali, whom she described as symbols of courage and of the strong ties between the two countries.

She pointed to cooperation between the United States and Albania in security, economic development and shared democratic values, noting the role of citizens in strengthening society.

“Our bond is stronger today than ever before,” VanHorn said, thanking Albanians for their hospitality and close partnership.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn full speech at the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence in Tirana:

Deputy Prime Minister Koçiu, thank you for your remarks. Thank you to our generous sponsors and dedicated staff for supporting this celebration. And thank you, Speaker Peleshi, honorable ministers, ambassadors, distinguished guests, and dear friends, for joining us.

It is my profound honor to celebrate with you this historic milestone -the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

On July 4th, 1776, a group of American visionaries declared to the world that all are created equal, with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

As President Trump has said, “To this day, these words give life to our Republic, stir the hearts of every citizen, and animate our way of life…For nearly two and a half centuries, there has been no greater barrier to tyranny and oppression than these mighty words.”

And that’s not just true for Americans. For 250 years, America has been a beacon of hope for people the world over who yearn to breathe free.

Albanians know that yearning intimately. Your nation’s journey from oppression and isolation to democracy and Western alliance stands as a great success story of our time.

You are building a society and institutions that promote the principles of liberty and justice for all, and you’ve done so through personal courage and sacrifice.

I am reminded of that courage and sacrifice every day on my way to work as I pass the memorial to two courageous Albanians who worked at the U.S. Embassy, Loni Adami and Kol Kuqali. Recently, I met with the descendants of these brave men, who lost their lives at the hands of a brutal regime for refusing to falsely testify against the United States.

For decades after the deaths of Mr. Adami and Mr. Kuqali, their families were persecuted. Yet their faith that one day, Albania would experience the freedom the United States represents was unwavering.

Their belief in freedom and in the unbreakable bond between Albania and the United States remain an inspiration to us all.

As we celebrate 250 years of freedom, we celebrate the stories of people like them who have worked tirelessly to deepen that bond – to bolster our military partnership, to build business ties that boost prosperity for both our countries, and to stand together in support of shared values.

We are celebrating people like all of you. First responders, community leaders, soldiers, educators, journalists, entrepreneurs. All the many people it takes to build and protect a community rooted in shared values of service, integrity, justice, innovation, and, of course, the freedoms enshrined in our first amendment: Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of petition, freedom of press, and freedom of religion.

Our bond is stronger today than ever before because of all of you. Thank you for your partnership, your legendary Albanian hospitality, and your commitment to the values we share.

We will continue to work together to preserve a world where freedom reigns, guided by the principles of peace through strength and partnerships built on mutual respect and shared interests that President Trump has laid out.

Here’s to 250 years of freedom – and many more to come. Happy 250th birthday, America. Happy Fourth of July.

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