On behalf of the Government of the United States, congratulations to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis on your 35th anniversary of independence on September 19.

The United States shares a proud heritage with your country. The first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton was born in Nevis and was a key contributor to establishing our financial system. St. Kitts and Nevis continues to be a valued partner in our mutual efforts to cultivate a more prosperous Caribbean and Western Hemisphere. We thank the people of St. Kitts and Nevis for your role in regional efforts to strengthen prosperity, citizen security, and democracy, and we will continue to work with you to implement Caribbean 2020.

The United States values this longstanding friendship and wishes the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis a happy Independence Day celebration.

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The United States expresses sorrow for the death of the aircrew members of the Russian plane that was downed by Syrian regime anti-aircraft fire. Yesterday’s unfortunate incident reminds us of the need to find permanent, peaceful, and political resolutions to the many overlapping conflicts in the region and the danger of tragic miscalculation in Syria’s crowded theater of operations. It underlines the urgent need to resolve the Syrian conflict in accordance with UNSC Resolution 2254 and to end Iran’s provocative transit of dangerous weapon systems through Syria, which are a threat to the region.

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External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

On behalf of the Government of the United States, I extend my warm congratulations to the people of Chile on the 208th anniversary of your independence.

The United States and Chile share a long-standing friendship, rooted in our common values and the deep ties between our peoples. Thirty years ago, Chile’s historic plebiscite paved the way for a peaceful and successful democratic transition. Today, Chile is a leader in the region, exemplifying the benefits of strong democratic institutions and open markets. We value the work we have accomplished together to support regional peace and security. Our vibrant economic ties and our joint initiatives in science, education, technology, and innovation benefit both our countries.

I wish you a happy Independence Day celebration and a peaceful and prosperous year ahead.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

Today we mark an event that forever altered the course of world history. On this day 231 years ago, the United States Constitution was signed in Philadelphia by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention, setting in motion the American experiment in limited government and personal liberty. In the years since, the Constitution has guaranteed the personal liberties of every American and served an exemplary statement of freedom for the rest of the world. It has inspired other nations to move toward liberty and has served as a beacon to many afflicted and oppressed peoples.

The federal observance of Constitution Day also recognizes those who have become U.S. citizens. America was built by immigrants who left everything behind to start a new life on our shores because they saw something special in our country. To our newest citizens, many of whom have waited in line for years, we welcome you with open arms and are proud to stand side by side with you as fellow Americans.

Today, it is important for all Americans to pause and reflect on the wisdom and significance of our Constitution, and on the legacy it has bestowed on our people and the world.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

On this International Day of Democracy, the United States reaffirms its unwavering belief in democracy as the form of government with the greatest capacity to advance peace, prosperity, and security, and to safeguard the universal human rights, fundamental freedoms, and dignity of every person. Enshrined in our own Constitution are bedrock principles essential to the success of any democracy, including freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, respect for the rule of law, and a commitment to the peaceful transfer of political power through free and fair elections.

Democratic ideals are at the core of our foreign policy. Established democracies are our closest allies and our strongest partners in meeting global challenges. We do not stand idly by when governments curtail the rights of their citizens and work to undermine public faith in democratic processes and institutions. As history demonstrates, those who imperil the rights of their own people are prone to endanger the lives of other people. That is why we stand with people everywhere who call upon their governments to respect individual rights and freedoms, strengthen the rule of law, prevent and combat corruption, and honor the will of the people as expressed at the ballot box.

On this day, and every day, we join like-minded governments, civil society, and ordinary people in our shared commitment to promote, protect, and advance democratic values around the world.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.