By Aexander A. Arvizu
Welcome to the annual celebration of American Independence, our national day. Some of you no doubt are asking, “Why are you celebrating on July 2nd?” Well, this year at least, the answer is quite simple– tonight is the only night this week with no World Cup matches scheduled. We didn’t want to give anyone an excuse for not coming to celebrate with us.
Speaking of the World Cup, the answer is yes, I did watch the match last night. The Belgian Ambassador I think is visiting. She is accredited in Albania. As I mentioned to her, they were the better team so congratulations to Belgium. All of you know that Albania is often described as one of the most pro-American countries in the world – which we appreciate, so, why is it that apart from the “Red and Black” that the most popular national teams are Germany, Italy, and Brazil, in that order. Every person I ask says it is Germany, Italy, and Brazil. Seriously, where is the United States in that group? As the saying goes, “I thought you loved us?”
My dear friends: Viewed from Europe, America is a very young country. That may be true, but 238 years still seems like a pretty long time.
When thinking about our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain 238 years ago, and all the history of those intervening years, it’s natural to turn to certain indelible passages that every educated American ought to know by heart. I’m talking about the Declaration of Independence itself, the Constitution of the United States, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
This year, I decided to go back and review parts of a seminal document that is a touchstone of the very creation of the American Republic. Despite its prominence, it’s something which many of you have probably never heard of before. I expect the Americans in the Embassy to know about it and shame on them if they don’t, but it’s probably not well-known outside of America. I am speaking about something known as “the Federalist Papers.” They were a series of articles, 85 in all, written and disseminated during 1787 and 1788. The authors were three remarkable early Americans: James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay. It was in “the Federalist Papers” that these men sought to persuade the citizens of the still very young United States to ratify the proposed Constitution.
Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and James Madison argued strongly in favor of the creation of a new, more powerful and centralized, but balanced, system of government.
In looking at the Federalist Papers, I came across this revealing passage. It was in the first paper, known as Federalist No. 1. Let me quote:
“It has been frequently remarked, that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not, of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend, for their political constitutions, on accident and force.”
A little over 100 years ago, terrible, destructive forces were unleashed in this part of the world that resulted in the deaths of millions and unspeakable human misery. Please, take a moment, just one moment, to contemplate if you will, all that has transpired on the European continent since that time. Despite tremendous progress, we have yet to fulfill the cherished goal of a Europe that is whole, free and at peace. That quest is an ongoing one, and the very real progress that has been achieved today toward fulfilling that goal should be an inspiration to continue in that relentless pursuit.
Last week, Albania achieved a significant milestone toward realizing an important part of that future vision. The decision by the European Council to grant Albania EU Candidate Status was good for Albania. It was good for Europe. And it was good for the United States. It was good for the United States because we are forever linked to Europe by the Atlantic, not divided by it.
Let me close by addressing specifically our Albanian friends, who have been so charitable towards America for so long. Let me leave you with a question – an exhortation, really – with some slight paraphrasing and generous borrowing from Federalist No 1:
“Do you feel destined to allow your political choices to be dictated by accident and force? Or will you prove capable and willing to establish your political direction and priorities based on reflection and choice?”
Anyone who has spoken to the younger generation of Albania should know the answer. And the answer should set all our hearts and minds at ease. This generation – and the generations to come – will honor Albania’s proud traditions and heritage. They will respect the past. But they will not dwell on it, like some hopeless soul locked in a cinema house, condemned to watch the same old scenes from a worn out movie over and over and over again.
Abraham Lincoln was probably the greatest American President who ever lived. Just about everyone is familiar with his story, about how he grew up humble and poor, in a small log cabin, how he had no choice but to walk long distances to and from school either barefoot or with threadbare shoes.
Abraham Lincoln became a great man because he didn’t stay in that log cabin. He left that cabin, and he proceeded to devote his life to building a stronger American Republic. “One Nation, under God, Indivisible with Liberty and Justice for All.”
The young people of Albania are destined to fulfill the promise of a better tomorrow and the time to start is today.
I wish to thank all of you sincerely. I will forever be grateful for your support, for your encouragement and your wisdom during my time here in Albania.
These were part of the remarks by U.S. Ambassador Alexander A. Arvizu during an event celebrating the U.S. Independence Day held in Tirana on July 2.
