The 238th Anniversary of America\\\'s Independence

Dan Mozena
The birth of a new nation is never easy and often is marked by violent struggle.
So it was 238 years ago in steamy Philadelphia when America's Founding Fathers boldly put their signatures to paper, declaring America's independence from the British crown as each committed his honor, his property and, indeed, his life to America's quest to forge a new nation committed to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Thus began a struggle that was to endure for seven tough years; a struggle that gave birth to the United States of America.  To this day, America struggles to perfect the democracy that defined the aspirations of our new nation over two hundred years ago.
 Similarly, 43 years ago Bangladesh struggled to achieve its freedom and independence, taking a horrific toll on the good people of this nation.  From that struggle emerged a new nation, the Bangladesh that we know and love today.
 America and Bangladesh each continues in its own way the never-ending quest to bring our citizens a better quality of life as envisioned by our forefathers who fought and sacrificed so much to bring freedom and independence.
 I am proud that America has been Bangladesh's partner, sharing common values, working together towards common goals.  America's partnership with Bangladesh has helped this great nation make historic advances in cutting poverty, bringing electricity to rural communities, fighting infectious disease, slashing maternal and child mortality, enabling Bangladeshis to have the family size they want, expanding food security, securing maritime and land borders, adapting to the impact of global climate change and so much more.
 America is richer for its partnership with Bangladesh, richer for its Bangladeshi-American diaspora, stronger in our joint commitment to tackle the challenges of today and achieve our common goals towards a better tomorrow.
 I am proud that America is Bangladesh's largest investor, largest single market and major source of remittances and development assistance.  America will do its part in helping Bangladesh transform the apparel sector, bringing it to international standards for fire safety, factory structural soundness, and respect for workers' rights.  Bangladesh's success in this regard will help the nation gain its place as a Premium Brand, a Preferred Brand, the number one brand in the global apparel marketplace as Bangladesh becomes the world's largest exporter of apparel and household textile.
 On this day when America celebrates the launch of the American experiment 238 years ago, I recommit myself, my mission and my government to an ever-broadening, ever-deepening and ever-strengthening partnership with Bangladesh, to the great benefit of the people of both nations.
(Dan Mozena is US Ambassador in Bangladesh)