Address by Gitanas NausÄ—da, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the American Chamber of Commerce U.S. Independence Day Celebration

Your Excellency Ambassador of the United States of America,

Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania,

Representatives of the Business Community,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Two hundred and fifty years ago, a nation in love with freedom was engaged in a long struggle against an imperial power. A people that, armed with new constitutional ideas, tried to hold onto their identity and culture against all foreign pressures.

I am, of course, talking about the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

At the same time, across the Atlantic, a group of brave visionaries signed a document that changed the world. A document that was so powerful that it attracted many volunteers from around the world to its cause. Among them was a young Polish Lithuanian officer Tadeusz Kościuszko, or Tadas Kosciuška in Lithuanian.

Ever since, every freedom loving nation of the world has followed the example set by the Founding Fathers of America.

Today, I am honored to be here, alongside friends from America and of America. And it is my greatest pleasure to celebrate the birth of the United States of America - the driving force of our modern, democratic world.

Lithuania knows the true value of freedom, because we have experienced its absence in the most painful ways. For us, the United States of America will forever be the finest example of liberty transforming the world for the better.

We are especially grateful for America's commitment to the security of our region, Europe, and the whole Euro Atlantic area.

Today, as a proud member of NATO, Lithuania leads by example by spending 5.4 percent of GDP on defense. This investment allows us to modernize both our armed forces and the military infrastructure used to host Allied troops, including American forces.

The American involvement creates new opportunities for the Lithuanian economy as well.

Ever since the early years of reestablished independent Lithuanian state, American companies have bet on Lithuania's future by investing here. To this day, our close cooperation continues in defense industry, advanced electronics, high-precision lasers, life sciences, and financial services.

Lithuanians and Americans contribute to each other's success, making our alliance ever stronger. The enduring strength of the transatlantic bond allows our businesses to operate freely and our citizens feel safe.

America's founding idea - that liberty is not a gift from governments but a right of people - is the one Lithuania embraces to this day. This is what we have fought for, and what we defend.

Happy two hundred and fiftieth birthday, America, from Lithuania - one of your most committed allies. Let us build an even better future together!