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
MGM Grand Macau
July 6, 2009

Consul General and Mrs. Joseph R. Donovan Jr toast CE Edmund Ho and the people of Macau during the U.S. Independence Day Reception held on July 6, 2009 at the MGM Grand Macau.

Mr. Chief Executive (the Honorable Edmund Ho), 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 6th, 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 viewed the promise of government was changed.

In America, we celebrate and honor that momentous occasion on July 4^th with barbeques, parades, and fireworks. We spend time with family and friends to celebrate the present, look to the future and consider our past. As we take the opportunity to reflect on our nation's history we are also reminded of the long history that the United States shares with Macau.

It was on July 3, 1844 -- the day before our Independence Day -- that the U.S. signed its first treaty with China. The Treaty of Wanghsia was negotiated and signed right here in Macau. It established Macau as an important destination for the original American business community in China, which brought their families to Macau to live. Among them were the grandparents of our great president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, whose mother spent part of her childhood here… That tradition continues to this day. It is this history that we share together that allows our relations with one another to become deeply entwined and help us to continue and develop our partnership and friendship.

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. - Macau relations every day.

Now, Mr. Chief Executive, it is my honor and my pleasure to propose a toast: To the people of the Macau Special Administrative Region, and the People's Republic of China.