The United States Embassy in Berlin hosted its annual Independence Day celebration, marking the 249th anniversary of American independence. The event highlighted the longstanding partnership between the United States and Germany.
Chargé d'Affaires Meltzer addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of shared ideals such as life, liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. He noted that these values are not exclusive to America but form the foundation of Western democracy and have supported the North Atlantic Alliance for over 75 years.
Meltzer acknowledged recent developments in U.S.-German relations, including a meeting between President Trump and Chancellor Merz. He stated that "we are poised to accomplish a great deal together" with new leadership in both countries.
At a recent NATO summit in The Hague, leaders agreed on President Trump's proposal to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. Meltzer praised Chancellor Merz's support for this initiative, which he described as sending "a resolute message to our adversaries."
Meltzer also mentioned efforts to address imbalances in transatlantic trade relationships. He expressed optimism about reaching an agreement soon.
Reflecting on personal experiences during his time in Germany, Meltzer spoke about the strong ties between Americans and Germans. These connections include family bonds, business partnerships, and academic collaborations.
He paid tribute to Margot Friedländer, a German-American who recently passed away at age 103. Her message of "Seid Menschen!" or "Be Human!" was highlighted as an enduring legacy.
The evening concluded with a toast celebrating America's founding ideals and the friendship between the United States and Germany.