Speeches and Articles by Former Consul General Joseph R. Donovan Jr.

Remarks by Joseph R. Donovan Jr
Consul General of the United States of America
Independence Day Reception
Conrad Hotel, Hong Kong
July 3, 2009

On July 3, 2009, during a reception in Hong Kong, the Secretary for Justice, the Honorable Wong Yan Lung, and U.S. Consul General Joseph R. Donovan Jr exchanged toasts in honor of the people of the Hong Kong SAR, the People's Republic of China and the United States of America.

Secretary Wong, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:

Welcome to this celebration of the 233^rd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America -- our "Fourth of July" party. Even though today is July 3^rd, it is perfectly fine to celebrate American independence today. The Continental Congress actually declared independence on July 2, 1776, and then adopted the final draft of and signed its public declaration on July 4.

It was on a hot summer day like this, all those years ago, that the United States was established. The principles on which it was founded still guide our nation today. In stirring words, Thomas Jefferson, the principal drafter of the Declaration of Independence proclaimed:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among them are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the Governed."

When the American Founding Fathers adopted these words, they set our nation on its course, and marked the first time in history that a nation had explicitly rooted its government's authority and power in the consent of the governed. The way the world views the promise of government was changed forever.

In America, we celebrate and honor that momentous occasion on July 4^th with barbeques, parades, and fireworks. We remind ourselves of the principles our nation was founded upon, and what our nation stands for.

The ideals we celebrate on a day like this are ideals we share with the people of Hong Kong …Our abiding respect for civil liberties, human rights, the rule of law, free-market economics, and transparency in government. These shared values have contributed to the success of our long history of relations. It is what enables the United States and Hong Kong to connect on so many levels, and lets our relations with one another flow smoothly and easily.

Independence Day is not just a time for solemn remembrance and reflection. It is also a time for relaxation as well. So as my son might say, let's "kick back," enjoy the food and drink on offer, and properly celebrate. I would also like to thank all the sponsors that allowed this spectacular celebration to come to fruition. We appreciate all your efforts not only to this party, but in furthering U.S.-Hong Kong relations every day.

Now, Secretary Wong, it is my honor and my pleasure to propose a toast: To the people of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the People's Republic of China.