To the American Community in Japan:
Independence Day is one of the most important holidays for Americans—and for those of us overseas, many of whom are away from family and friends, I think the day becomes even more important. The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate the values that both define and unite us: values such as liberty, equality, freedom, and democracy—principles the founding fathers believed were important enough to risk their lives fighting for and which have since become solid cornerstones of American society. If those brave men could see how their extraordinary wisdom has supported the growth and stability of a democratic system that has inspired people around the world, they would surely be proud.
As President Obama noted in his recent West Point commencement address, “From the birth of our existence, America has had a faith in the future—a belief that where we’re going is better than where we’ve been, even when the path ahead is uncertain. To fulfill that promise, generations of Americans have built upon the foundation of our forefathers—finding opportunity, fighting injustice, forging a more perfect union.”
As we celebrate those values which our great nation was founded upon 234 years ago, let us also celebrate the enduring partnership between Japan and the United States. Our fates and our fortunes are intertwined as never before. We are allies who share the same values of freedom and democracy, and together we are working together to ensure a more peaceful and prosperous future for ourselves and the Asia Pacific region.
Japan’s hosting of APEC this year, followed by the U.S. in 2011, gives us another great opportunity to build on our partnership. The ACCJ is playing an important role in this, with its recommendations on ways that Japan and the U.S. can cooperate through APEC to increase trade and bring sustainable economic growth to all APEC members.
It is my pleasure to extend Fourth of July greetings to all the ACCJ Journal readers among your 1,300 member companies, and to express my sincere appreciation to our gracious hosts, the Japanese people, for their continued friendship and support. May both our great nations continue to enjoy the blessings of liberty.
John V. Roos
Ambassador
United States of America
