NASSAU, The Bahamas – The common bond and close diplomatic relations between The Bahamas and America were highlighted during the United States 236th Independence Celebration held Tuesday, July 3, 2012 on board the historic naval ship USS Anzio.
During the ceremony His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes, Governor General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas underscored the importance of such relations dating back to hundreds of years.
“We have always been a good neighbour to the United States, not just since our own independence but throughout the colonial era. And the United States has been a good neighbour to us,” he said.
The Bahamas has had a long history dating back to the founding of the New World; it also boasts of an ancient parliament dating back to 1729.
“But while the United States celebrates 236 years of independence, we are only celebrating our 39th year as a small but proud independent and democratic state,” Sir Arthur said.
The founding fathers of the United States, he said, knew full well that no human construct is perfect and that the perfect union of which they spoke was inspirational, a work in progress.
“Yet no one can deny that the United States of America has in 236 years made astonishing progress in becoming the greatest economic power the world has ever seen.
“Not only that; the United States has also made great strides in dealing with the internal demons that are common to all human societies; and it was on the right side of history in two world wars, the second of which was to defeat an unspeakable evil, an unprecedented threat to human civilisation.”
Furthermore, The Bahamas and the United States have shared the same aspirations for the perfection of its democracies and the peace, security, freedom and prosperity of their people.
“These aspirations have found expression in close collaboration between The Bahamas and the United States in our common fight against the smuggling of human beings, against drug trafficking and against the trading of illegal arms,” Sir Arthur said.
He said it was with great pleasure that The Bahamas Government join its “American Friends” in celebrating its independence on board the naval ship in Nassau Harbour.
The USS Anzio was named for the Battle of Anzio in Italy, said to be the site of a key allied amphibious assault during the drive for Rome in the Second World War.
Also participating in the ceremony were Major General Francis Mahon, Director of Strategy, Policy and Plans, United States Northern Command, John Dinkelman, Charge’ d’ Affaires, United States Embassy, Nassau.
The celebration closed out with the cutting of cake with red, white and blue icing and a display of fireworks in the harbour.
By LINDSAY THOMPSON
BAHAMAS INFORMATION SERVICES
Captions:
The Bahamas joins the United States in celebrating 236 years of Independence during a ceremony on board the USS Anzio in Nassau Harbour on July 3. Pictured from left are Captain John Dorey, Commanding Officer, USS Anzio; Major General Francis Mahon, Director of Strategy, Policy & Planning, United States Northern Command; Lady Foulkes; Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes; John Dinkelman, United States Charge’ d’ Affaires and Mrs. Elizabeth Dinkelman; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development Philip Davis and his wife, Ann Marie Davis. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
