Independence Day in Budapest: despite quarrels Hungary, USA one family – PHOTOS

David Pressman, the USA’s ambassador in Budapest, celebrated the Day of Independence with some Hungarian and international guests. Among others, Zsolt Semjén, Hungary’s deputy prime minister, took part on the event. He highlighted that “this is not the time for political wars with friends when a real war threatens the world order NATO has worked so hard to defend”, but added that Washington keeps close attention on the steps Hungary takes. Below you may read his unchanged speech.

The event was attended by more than 800 distinguished guests. Deputy prime minister Zsolt Semjén and interior minister Sándor Pintér were among them from part of the Hungarian government, but neither one of them shared their remarks, only Pressman spoke. Here is his unchanged speech:

Deputy Prime Minister Semjén, distinguished Ministers, Ambassadors, and guests, it is an honor to welcome you as we celebrate the 247th anniversary of American independence.

I’d like to thank the Hungarian Police Band for their performance, and to Minister Pintér for making them available. I’d also like to thank Flóra Golarits and Marine Corps Sgt. Brandon Charters for their extraordinary performances of the Hungarian and American national anthems. Thank you for joining us.

About 120 kilometers from here, hundreds of young American men and women, members of the United States armed services, are deployed inside Hungary to help keep Hungary and its neighbors safe during this uncertain time. These American soldiers embody the commitment the United States made to Hungary and to all of our allies – a commitment that we have always honored — and I’d like to recognize the members of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne’s Charlie Troop deployed near Veszprém that joined us here today to fly the colors. This is not a ceremonial unit; they are wearing their combat uniforms because they are actively deployed here in support of NATO’s eastern flank. Thank you again for joining us.

As my colleagues here, veterans of the diplomatic corps, know all too well, national day events can tend toward the ceremonial, prioritizing formality above content. So while I can’t promise a brief speech – though I will try – I can promise this year’s celebration will be slightly different. There will be no nostalgic crooner serenade this year; for instance, we’re going for more of a young, rock vibe band. But while the band we will soon welcome to the stage may be loud, I will try – much to the relief of some of my guests – to ensure that my message is not. At least not all of it.

But since this is our Independence Day, I do want to take a few moments to speak about something important both to Americans and to Hungarians and that is independence.

Though “independence” is a word often tossed around by politicians, it is a concept that intrinsic to the soul of America. Our radical founding document – the Declaration of Independence — made a clear statement to the world that the United States of America would chart its own independent course, and it inspired others to do the same.

“Independence” is coded in Americans’ DNA, it is etched into our bones. And I would say, the same is true for Hungarians. During my time in Hungary, I have come to appreciate the greatness, the indomitable spirit, and yes, the tragedy, in Hungarian history. A history that has led Hungarians – like Americans – to prize, and to fight, to declare their independence. In 1848. In 1956. In 1989.

But a declaration of independence is not a declaration of isolation. In 1776, our new country did not cut itself off from its allies and partners. Jefferson and Adams – who between them held ambassadorships to Great Britain, the Netherlands, and to France, twice! – drafted a Declaration of Independence not a declaration of isolation. As our country grew and found its place in the world – sometimes reluctantly, not always smoothly – Americans sought partners and ultimately alliances with those whose values we shared so that we could be stronger together.