Independence Day Statement by Administrator Samantha Power ...

Today, citizens across the country will don red, white, and blue, light up the grill and the sky, and gather with their loved ones to celebrate the 247th birthday of the United States of America.

On Independence Day, we celebrate the enduring dream of a nation where citizens rule themselves, where a person’s potential is not limited by their background, where individuals have the freedom to pursue the lives they dream of for themselves and their families.

We also celebrate the courageous citizens who have pushed for decades to make these founding ideals the lived reality for all Americans. For generations, the individuals behind these struggles have brought our nation closer to its principles – from the abolitionists who developed networks to help enslaved people escape bondage, to the suffragettes who took to the streets to demand the right to vote, to the journalists who exposed the realities of extreme poverty in their communities, to the students of color who faced down police dogs and fire hoses to stand up for basic civil rights. Our country has been built by the bravery, persistence, and daring of all those who have pushed for our union to become “more perfect” and all those who have stood up for our most fundamental values. 

At USAID, we have the honor of working to advance these values. When USAID sends life-saving humanitarian assistance, when we support citizens advocating for self-rule, when we help take down the barriers and enable people to break the cycle of poverty, we help uphold all people’s inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

We are grateful to all those who make this work possible, and we wish you a peaceful and joyful holiday. Happy Fourth of July!