Embassy Reception for Afghanistan’s Independence Day

 
The Embassy of Afghanistan celebrated Afghanistan’s 92th Independence Day on the evening of September 15, 2011 in Washington, DC. More than 200 guests including US special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan H.E. Ambassador Grossman, senior US government officials, diplomatic corps, media, friends and supporters of Afghanistan attended the Independence Day reception.

Ambassador Hakimi welcomed guests and spoke on the importance and sincere meaning of this special day, “Our Independence Day marks a significant point in Afghan history; a moment that reflects the strength, sacrifices and determination of our people. Building on this grand legacy of our past; today our people are working hard to rebuild our country. Throughout Afghanistan’s history our people have made sacrifices for freedom and independence, and we continue to fight for our country today.”

Ambassador Hakimi further noted” Every day American soldiers are fighting side-by-side with Afghan soldiers. Thus, on our Independence Day, let us take a moment to recognize the sacrifices that the U.S. and Afghan troops have made for our country. We thank all American and Afghan soldiers and their families for their brave support of our fight for freedom. Please remember that our thoughts and sympathy are with all the soldiers who have lost their lives fighting in Afghanistan.”

Following the Afghan Ambassador’s speech, Ambassador Grossman spoke on behalf of President Obama and all Americans: “It is a great honor for me, to congratulate the people of Afghanistan on 92 years of independence. I’m even happier to have the opportunity to talk about the present and the future – a future where the U.S. will be standing shoulder to shoulder with Afghanistan for years to come.

Authentic Afghan cuisine was served for dinner to all those in attendance. As the evening came to a close, Ambassador Hakimi thanked once again on the high hopes all Afghans held for the future of the Afghan nation, “We Afghans are determined to move steadily towards building a stable, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan; an Afghanistan that can serve as a crucial pillar of regional and global security and prosperity.”