Since the day we arrived, Georgians have opened their hearts and their homes to us, making us feel that we too are part of the Georgian family. Thank you – all of you – for your friendship. We will forever be friends of Georgia, and I will leave a piece of my heart behind when I depart. And I will never stop believing in and supporting the future of democracy in Georgia, Robin Dunnigan, the U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, said during her speech at an event dedicated to the United States’ Independence Day.

According to the ambassador, Americans gather on Independence Day to celebrate an important day for their country and to reflect on what it means to be an American.

“Today we mark the 249th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. Each year, on the Fourth of July, Americans come together to celebrate our independence. It is a time when we reflect on what it means to be an American and what it means to enjoy the fundamental freedoms of our democracy.

This year, I find myself reflecting more deeply than ever on the concept of democracy. I believe this moment in history demands reflection on our democracy, on the freedoms we enjoy and our duty to future generations.

For me, there are three vital elements that allow democracies to flourish: promise, duty, and optimism. Let me touch briefly on each of these.

First, promise.The United States has come a long way since our founding. We have had our challenges and dark moments, and we have had our days of victory, pride and joy. But throughout the waves of our history, we have always united around a shared promise.

A promise that when free people are given the right to speak, debate, worship, and vote, the greater good will prevail.

A promise that the United States will grow stronger with each generation. That we will leave a better nation and future for our children,” she said.

In her remarks, the Ambassador noted that she would like to thank those who pay the highest price for freedom.

“July 4 is also a day when Americans reflect on the tremendous sacrifices made for our independence, a day when we remember that freedom is not free. Today is a day when we reflect on our obligation to future generations, which brings me to a second key tenet of democracy: duty.

The price of preserving our liberties is real. Our men and women in uniform know that all too well, and I want to thank them for volunteering to pay the ultimate price for our freedom.

Finally, I come to the vital lifeblood of democracy – optimism. And I am optimistic about democracy in the United States and here in Georgia.

I am optimistic because I know the vast majority of Americans and Georgians believe in the promise of our democracy and our duty to defend it.

I am optimistic because of the many people in the United States and Georgia committed to service for their country.

I am also optimistic because I know the youth in both of our countries are extraordinary. I have been inspired time and again by the next generation of Americans and Georgians. They are what gives me optimism about our futures, and the future of the American-Georgian partnership.

Speaking of the American-Georgian partnership, I want to take a moment to thank the incredible team here at the U.S. Embassy for all you do to support the United States and Georgia, including organizing today’s celebration. I also want to say a special thank you to our USAID team and the legacy you are leaving in this country. Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to our generous sponsors for your support. I know our sponsors also believe in the power of the American-Georgian friendship.

As many of you know, my husband Harry and I have decided to retire after 33 years as U.S. diplomats, and we will be departing this amazing country later this month.

Since the day we arrived, Georgians have opened their hearts and their homes to us, making us feel that we too are part of the Georgian family. Thank you – all of you – for your friendship. We will forever be friends of Georgia, and I will leave a piece of my heart behind when I depart. And I will never stop believing in and supporting the future of democracy in Georgia.

Let me close by asking you to join me in a toast – to the power of the promise of democracy, our duty to defend it, and optimism that we will succeed.

Happy Birthday America! Gaumarjos!" she said.