Speeches 2003

July 4, 2003

Remarks by Ambassador Linda E. Watt July 4th Celebration

Thank you all very much for being here this evening. It is such a pleasure to have you with us.

I think it is evident that we have organized a very special Fourth of July celebration this year. The 227th year of U.S. independence corresponds to the 100th year of Panama's founding as a republic. Thus, we are celebrating two national birthdays - birthdays of two countries whose histories have been closely intertwined.

We need no greater example of that connection than the visit that President Moscoso made to Washington just last week to meet with President Bush and top officials in his administration. I was extremely honored to be there, to be a witness to their cordial talks that -- I am confident -- will lead to deeper and wider connections in the weeks and months to come.

It is this theme of connections that we wanted to celebrate this evening in this very special year of 2003. But how to do that, considering that the lives of our citizens have been linked in so many diverse ways?

July Fourth is a festive holiday, so we decided that the most entertaining way to illustrate some connections would be through music. In fact, we began celebrating last week. Many of you had opportunities to hear one or more of the exciting concerts by the outstanding New England Conservatory Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Those talented youth were able to visit Panama - and to share the stage with members of Panama's wonderful youth orchestra -- thanks to some very thoughtful and generous benefactors. As Sophocles said some 400 years before Christ, "Whoever neglects the arts when he is young has lost the past and is dead to the future."

So for our special program this evening, we turned to an artist, young at heart, and himself an American connection. Bruce Quinn, whose grandfather helped build the Canal, has thrilled Panamanian audiences for decades with his wonderful theatrical productions. He has assembled a highly talented group of Panamanian singers and musicians who will perform a variety of selections from the rich heritage of American musical theater.

Music has a tremendous force for good. It has the power to inspire and the power to unify. Through music we recognize and experience common values.

As we celebrate this evening the independence of the United States and the centennial of Panama, let us reaffirm our commitment to the values that our two democracies share - the ideals of freedom and equality, of respect and understanding.

And now, before proceeding further with our program, I invite you to listen to a special message from someone you all know.

Awards Presentation

We want to start something special this year, an annual recognition of those individuals who, by their actions and character, contribute significantly to improving their community, and demonstrate the highest values and virtues of Americans everywhere. We sent out messages to the American community and received many heartwarming nominations. A committee made up of U.S. and Panamanian citizens, embassy employees and members of the community, reviewed the nominations. From these nominations, the committee selected four individuals for their exceptional contributions to Panama.

So, I'd like to present the first members of our American citizens "Hall of Fame."

A former U.S. serviceman, Eugene Altieri made his home in David more than 25 years ago, and has been a successful businessman. But for the past dozen years Gene has dedicated a great deal of his time and energy to Operacion Sonrisa, a self-sufficient community foundation that provides reconstructive surgery to children of low income families, and follows up with social and psychological support. There can be no greater service to a community than personal commitment to the health and welfare and self-respect of its children. Thank you, Gene, and please accept our appreciation.

Sandra Snyder is another model of civic activism. Early on she developed English programs for Kuna employees of the Canal Zone, and a children's library program at Ft. Clayton. She has been particularly active with the Escuela Estados Unidos, and gives more of her time and herself to an organization of elderly citizens. Three times president of the Who's New Club, Sandra is among the first to welcome newcomers to Panama and make them feel at home. She is a genuine authority on Panama, a regular contributor to publications promoting Panama, and has even written her own book about living here. She has served on the boards of the American Society, Navy League, City Club, and AmCham. And she has contributed her time and talent to the annual Caravana charity fundraiser.

The word "tireless" seems to have been invented for Rita Sosa, as it appears in most of the messages nominating her. A consummate educator of children and adults, Rita has been president of the American Society, long-time administrator and teacher at Balboa High School and the Panama Canal College, and member of the boards of the American Society, PanUSA binational center, the Theater Guild, Isthmian College, and St. Mary's Church, and she is almost constantly engaged in workshops and consultations. Her latest project is the centennial monument to Panama's ethnic diversity, a perfect example of her selfless appreciation and contribution to the community. Rita, please come forward and accept our appreciation.

Pastor William Wilbur has been at the Gamboa Union Church for close to 30 years. Though an English-speaking congregation, now half the members are Wounaan and Embera Indians. Bill is heard well beyond Gamboa via his daily radio program. But perhaps his most remarkable outreach is to the Panama prison community. Soon after his arrival in Panama, he began ministering to the needs of inmates of all nationalities, often putting himself at personal risk during times of political turmoil. The troubles of prisoners usually extend to families, and so does Bill's commitment. He often helps families meet their immediate basic needs, and serves as a source and channel for information. Bill's book Finding Freedom in Panama tells the story of his work to improve not only the inmates' physical conditions, but their moral and spiritual conditions, preparing them for productive lives outside the walls.

We will continue this tradition. There are many other members of the American community deserving of this award. We will recognize them in the years to come.