Hello – I’m Eva Weigold Schultz, Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Bern.
To all my fellow Americans resident in Switzerland and Liechtenstein – Happy Fourth of July!
This year, we celebrate 245 years of independence. It’s a time to reflect on the blessings of freedom, and this year in particular, to give thanks for the blessings of health, family, and friends – especially our friends in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
The United States was founded on a commitment to democracy and opportunity, values we share with you. It’s why so many Americans bring their businesses and their families here, and why our ties are so strong in innovation and education, culture, science, and technology. Together, we are keeping our economies strong, our people healthy and safe, and our world more peaceful and secure.
Switzerland is known for its role in fostering international diplomacy and dialogue, and we are grateful to the Swiss government and people for your generosity in hosting the historic U.S.-Russia summit in June. Thank you for so warmly welcoming President Biden to Geneva, where he met with President Parmelin and Federal Councilor Cassis to reaffirm the importance of our relationship.
We are proud to partner with both Switzerland and Liechtenstein to promote human rights and democracy, improve global health, expand economic prosperity, and protect against threats ranging from COVID to climate change to cyber attacks. We are stronger when we approach these challenges together.
U.S. Independence Day is also a reminder of our commitment to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. For embassies everywhere, this means our first mission is to protect our citizens overseas. We are deeply grateful to Switzerland for its 40 years of service as our Protecting Power in Iran, assisting Americans in need on our behalf, and helping secure the release of those wrongfully detained.
As we celebrate America’s birthday, we also celebrate our friends and partners for our work together towards the ideals on which our nations were founded.
From all of us at the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Happy Fourth of July!
