Consul General Daniel R. Russel

Consul General Russel Remarks at 2006 July 4 Reception, Universal Studios Japan
July 4, 2006

Thank you very much for joining us here at Universal Studios Japan to celebrate American Independence Day on our 230th birthday. Just last week, President George Bush took Prime Minister Koizumi to Memphis, Tennessee to visit Elvis Presley’s home Graceland. It occurred to me that if the President could host the Prime Minister of Japan at Graceland, then surely I could host the Consulate’s 4th of July party here at Universal Studios!

Actually, the plan for tonight was to ask a very distinguished, famous American to give the welcoming remarks. Unfortunately, we ran into a problem: Snoopy doesn’t speak English OR Japanese. So you will have to make do with me.

Americans everywhere traditionally celebrate our basic democratic values on July 4. But values such as freedom and liberty don’t belong exclusively to the US. These are basic human values; they are universal values. And it is important to remember that we share them. 

As I look around this room, I get a wonderful feeling because there are so many friends of the United States here tonight. We have distinguished Members of Parliament, Governors, Mayors, Diplomats, Business Leaders, Artists … so many very good friends. We are grateful to you for joining us.

You are so important to us because while America is a big, wealthy and a powerful country, there is something that a superpower needs most of all: real friends! Because friends will work with us to help us do what is right. And friends can also be counted upon to also to help us avoid mistakes. Japan is that kind of friend to the USA, and all of us in the Consulate are very proud to be able to serve here in Kansai. 

Thank you very much, and Happy Birthday America!