Good evening and welcome. On behalf of the U.S. Embassy team and the American people, thank you for joining us to celebrate the 249th birthday of the United States of America.
Every year, on the Fourth of July, Americans come together to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 – an act that launched not just a revolution, but an ongoing experiment in democracy.
Tonight, we mark that day here in Sarajevo by bringing you a piece of a uniquely American place – New Orleans.
Why New Orleans? Because it is a city that reflects the best of America’s spirit, creativity, and resilience.
Founded over 300 years ago, New Orleans has always been a city of many influences – French, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and Native American, all layered together into something distinctly American, and yet completely its own.
It’s the birthplace of jazz – a musical form built on improvisation, collaboration, and soul. You can hear that spirit in the music tonight: joyful, defiant, and full of life.
It’s home to culinary traditions that blend the rustic and the refined where a simple po’ boy sandwich can carry centuries of stories and flavors. You can find po’ boy sandwiches here tonight and try one for yourself.
And yes – no New Orleans celebration is complete without Mardi Gras beads. If you’ve received some this evening you’ll notice they come in three colors: purple green and gold. Each color carries meaning – purple for justice green for faith and gold for power. These are more than festive decorations; they are symbols of the ideals that drive not only the city of New Orleans but also the American democratic spirit itself.
Because justice faith and responsible use of power are at the heart of what we strive for as a nation. They remind us that democracy depends on fairness on belief in a better future and on leadership that serves people.
In so many ways New Orleans tells America's story: not perfect but one persistence reinvention hope.
And that spirit resilience one see Bosnia Herzegovina too.
This country crossroads cultures faced great challenges continues grapple complex legacy past again meet people across Bosnia Herzegovina committed building better future investing communities educating next generation preserving rich heritage pushing reforms serve common good.
The United States proud partner journey remain committed supporting Bosnia Herzegovina sovereignty territorial integrity multiethnic character support country path towards more democratic secure prosperous future want clear goals cannot achieved outsiders alone require leadership courage within expect people Bosnia Herzegovina especially elected leaders many whom here tonight work together build more functional democratic forward-looking country choosing compromise division progress politics next generation election honoring country past turning inward pulling apart finding strength shared purpose common ground message New Orleans too jazz doesn’t work everyone plays tune comes alive listen trust create something greater themselves
So tonight celebrate America’s 249th Independence Day beat jazz taste po’ boys beads around necks remember democracy destination daily effort process building rebuilding believing something bigger ourselves honor spirit tonight music food friendship shared commitment shaping future worthy values bayous Louisiana rivers hills Bosnia Herzegovina bound together diplomacy united hopes histories work still ahead join raising glass Fourth July day celebrates freedom resilience enduring promise democracy may spirit inspire work service better tomorrow Happy Independence Day!