Speeches
Remarks by U.S. Consul General Sharon Anderholm Wiener at the Celebration of the 233rd Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
July 1, 2009
(As prepared for delivery)
Distinguished guests, friends and colleagues: Welcome to the U.S. Consulate General Istanbul’s Independence Day celebration. We are very pleased to host you all on this beautiful evening. I would like to start by thanking all the American companies who have generously sponsored this event. They have provided us with delicious food and drink. I am also very grateful to the New Orleans New Wave Brass Band and the Yale University a cappella group Whim ‘n Rhythm for entertaining us this evening, and to Demetra George Mustafoğlu for her beautiful singing of our national anthems. Finally, I would also like to thank all the staff here at the consulate for the weeks – actually months – of hard work that went into coordinating this event.
It is for me a special pleasure to celebrate Independence Day here in Istanbul, a city that I love in a country that is a close ally and strategic partner of the United States. I first visited Istanbul 40 years ago, and first lived in Turkey 34 years ago. Since returning, I’ve been struck by the dynamic progress that Turkey has made, both economically and politically. Like America’s democratic experience, this is worth celebrating.
This year I think that our celebration is particularly poignant for two reasons. As you remember, a week after this celebration took place last year, terrorists attacked this Consulate General, killing three Turkish National Police and wounding two others. We will never forget their brave sacrifice nor the quick reaction of the wounded police officer and all the local and U.S. security personnel. Their dedication to duty saved the lives of nearly 300 Turkish and American employees and visitors who were inside the Consulate that morning. We are still grateful for the outpouring of concern and support we received from the Turkish government and the Turkish people and especially from you, our friends who are here this evening.
Tonight is also our first Independence Day celebration since the historic election of President Barack Hussein Obama as our first African-American President. His election demonstrates the progress America has made toward becoming a more perfect union. Just as President Obama’s election has renewed a spirit of hope in America, the visit of President Obama to Turkey – during his first 100 days – has renewed our relationship as allies.
Thank you again for coming to celebrate this special day with us. It is now my great pleasure to welcome Ambassador James Jeffrey and to invite him to say a few words.
