Ambassador symington's Speech at the National Day

February 11th, 2007

Americans, Djiboutians, colleagues, and friends from around the World, thank you for joining us today to commemorate America’s Presidents Day and to say farewell to Admiral Hunt and to Welcome Admiral Hart.  The Presidents we honor, our Admirals, and all of you here today are living proof how much difference one person can make.   

First of all, please join me in applauding the service of Admiral Hunt.  America has been blessed for this last year to have not one, but two Ambassadors in Djibouti and in every country of the Horn.  Admiral, I am grateful for your leadership here and in the Region and thank you for all you have done to advance the cause of Freedom.

Second, welcome to you Admiral Hart.  Susan and I have already seen how much you will add to the work of America here.  We welcome you to your Embassy and to your extended family.

We commemorate today our first President, George Washington, our nation’s founder.  You know what he did in War and in Peace.  Did you know also know that, in his heart, he was a farmer as well as a teacher?  Let me tell you one thing he said in his Farewell Speech after two terms as President.  He called on America to stay united so that we would endure as a nation.  He said North and South and East and West cannot fail, if they are united, to have greater strength, greater resource, and greater security.  President Washington spoke then of the new American Union.  What was true then for America is true now for the world.

America has endured for more than 230 years, thanks to gallant service by Americans like you here.  Thank you.  But we have not just endured; in America Liberty has flourished and -- for more than two centuries – we have helped Liberty’s light burn more brightly abroad because it is has been fueled by the lamp of Liberty you protect at home. 

United with partners and friends, such as those from Djibouti, and those other nations represented here today, Liberty grows stronger.  We know that all the power on earth cannot light Liberty’s light in another’s heart; but you have helped to make a World where Liberty can shine. 
 
Liberty burns in the hearts of poets and presidents, admirals, and teachers.  And, as it did in George Washington, it burns brightly in the hearts of farmers. 
Let me tell you about a few Djiboutians we are privileged to work with here who have made their lives and their communities better.

In the village of Bankoualeh, 7 years ago, we listened to a man who asked for help starting a small project to raise honey.  Today, his successful business employs eight people and helps sustain many more family members while providing wonderful honey to Djibouti.  Mr. Houmed, thank your for making Djibouti a land of Milk and Honey.

In Gorabous, the vice president of the parent teacher association, walks from a distant village every day leading 15 children to a school that we helped to renovate near a clinic that we helped to equip.  Families entrust her with their childrens’ care.  To those children, she is the path to the lamp of learning. 
Ms. Hasna Mohamed  Houmed, thank you for your selfless service.

In Assamo, a man returned from years abroad to dig a well with his own hands and start the first vegetable garden in the town.  We gave him a pump and he did the rest.  Today, there are more than 40 gardens near his in that river valley, they benefit hundreds of Djiboutians and their families and provide good food to Djibouti.  You may have seen some of their produce on a table in the garden here today.
Thank you Hashbadj.

In Djibouti, the Shiny Flower Youth Group organizes a paper, plays, and activities to keep children interested in school.  The leader of that group, who has participated in the English Language discussion groups we help lead, has now opened her own language school.  She is already touching scores of lives connecting Djibouti and America and the World.  Thank you Hawa Hasan Bahdon.

Finally to Admiral Hunt and all his staff, and to our Djiboutian hosts and partners:  Thank you for your personal roles keeping Liberty’s Light burning here