At the celebration organized by the United States Embassy on the occasion of the 249th anniversary of American Independence, VanHorn stated that “Americans revere July 4, 1776, the day our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence, as our Independence Day.”

That fight began one year earlier in 1775 with the beginnings of the greatest military the world has ever known. Tonight, we celebrate not only America’s 249th year but also the 250th birthdays of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.

Over the last two and half centuries, American leadership has paved the way for a freer, more peaceful, more prosperous world. But we cannot do it alone.

Just now our leaders are returning home from the NATO Summit, where Allies committed to investing 5 percent of their GDP annually on core defense requirements. We’re counting on our Allies to do their part to protect the values we all hold dear.

Earlier this month, I was honored to witness Albanian and American forces working together in DEFENDER-Europe’s Exercise Immediate Response. I was deeply moved to hear from one of our Albanian partners the story of an Albanian soldier killed in action while serving downrange alongside U.S. forces a decade ago. He left behind a little girl – now a young woman. I asked the gentleman sharing this story to tell her how profoundly we appreciate her father’s sacrifice. This is just one example of the many sacrifices Albanians, too, have made to protect our freedoms and build a more peaceful world. We are fortunate to have Allies such as Albania.

VanHorn added that it is thanks to the sacrifice of so many Americans and Allies that we can gather tonight to celebrate our freedoms. We can raise our children assured of a future where they will enjoy those unalienable rights immortalized in the Declaration of Independence, signed 249 years ago: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

/m.m/j.p/sm/