Posted by Mark Stroh on Jul 03, 2009 - 05:27 PM
![Amb. & Mrs. Eikenberry greet guest at July 4th celebration, Kabul, July 2, 2009. [State Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2009_0703_kabul_greeting_m.jpg)
About the Author: Mark Stroh serves as Information Officer at U.S. Embassy Kabul.
Ambassador Karl W. Eikenberry praised both American and Afghan democracy at Embassy Kabul’s Independence Day celebration on Thursday, July 2. Flanked by Afghan Foreign Minister Rangin Dadfar Spanta and addressing a crowd of several hundred invited guests including Afghan ministers, National Security Forces personnel, government officials, members of the international community and others, Ambassador Eikenberry said, “This is a dual celebration: the birthday of the world’s oldest democracy, and our deepening partnership with one of the world’s newest democracies, Afghanistan.”
Ambassador Eikenberry noted the efforts of the United States to assist Afghanistan, and also the extraordinary hardships that the Afghan people have endured. “We have contributed our resources and our time,” the Ambassador said. “More importantly, we have sacrificed the lives of our sons and daughters.” Ambassador Eikenberry then quoted President Barack Obama, who recently said, “Despite the costs involved, America’s commitment will not weaken.” Foreign Minister Spanta described the example that American democracy sets for emerging nations. “It has shown to the world the promise of freedom, liberty, constitutionalism, and democracy.” Foreign Minister Spanta further noted that sustainable development and peaceful coexistence can only come about within a democratic system of governance.
The embassy celebration included performances by the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division brass band and a joint performance by American jazz musicians and traditional Afghan players. Ambassador Eikenberry said that the joint musical performance was a tribute to the great partnership between the United States and Afghanistan. “So today,” the Ambassador said, “we salute the friendship and solidarity between our people and we celebrate our common purpose.”
Related Entry: Afghan Youth in Herat Learn About July Fourth.
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Johnson writes:
U.S. govt giving best performances by army's,,,,,,,,,,,
Posted on Mon Jul 13, 2009
U.S. govt giving best performances by army's,,,,,,,,,,,
Posted on Mon Jul 13, 2009
Anna in Washington DC writes:
Best wishes and Happy 4th to all of our diplomats and service men and women who are serving in Afghanistan and overseas this year. God bless.
Posted on Mon Jul 06, 2009
Best wishes and Happy 4th to all of our diplomats and service men and women who are serving in Afghanistan and overseas this year. God bless.
Posted on Mon Jul 06, 2009
Sergio in Argentina writes:
by hapy, my friends, and secretary hillary, and family white house in, your 4 july independence dey, and solidarity pour votre liberte, poople....the statu liberte mon mais.......be happy.
Posted on Sat Jul 04, 2009
by hapy, my friends, and secretary hillary, and family white house in, your 4 july independence dey, and solidarity pour votre liberte, poople....the statu liberte mon mais.......be happy.
Posted on Sat Jul 04, 2009
John in Greece writes:
@ Susan in Florida :)
Of course there is (was) no insult and you are doing fine trying to follow the new generation. After all, our kids is our future! WE are the guys that must "FOLLOW" new ideas. They (young people) guide us!
And now back to the subject. I think that something wonderful is changing Afghanistan day by day. It's like a miracle!
P.S. all nations believing in Freedom and Democracy must help. More!
Posted on Fri Jul 03, 2009
@ Susan in Florida :)
Of course there is (was) no insult and you are doing fine trying to follow the new generation. After all, our kids is our future! WE are the guys that must "FOLLOW" new ideas. They (young people) guide us!
And now back to the subject. I think that something wonderful is changing Afghanistan day by day. It's like a miracle!
P.S. all nations believing in Freedom and Democracy must help. More!
Posted on Fri Jul 03, 2009
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