Romania's National Day

Flag of the Romanian Socialist
Republic (1965-1989)

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

November 30, 2011

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to all Romanians as you celebrate your national day this December 1.

Ninety-three years ago the Romanian state was founded on the democratic principles of liberty and equality which are the shared values at the heart of our relationship. Today, we count on Romania as a strong ally as we work together to support the stability and prosperity of Afghanistan, the Euro-Atlantic integration of your Balkan neighbors, and global security through extensive law enforcement cooperation. In addition to those long-standing ties, the signing of this year's joint strategic partnership and missile defense agreements marks a new chapter in our enduring relationship, and we look forward to finding new ways to work together.

Flag of the anti-Ceasescu revolutionaries
during the Revolution of 1989.

As you celebrate this special day with family, friends and loved ones, know that the United States stands with you as a partner and friend. Congratulations and best wishes for a year of peace and prosperity.

Note: The Romanian people have come a long way and overcome much poverty since overthrowing the Marxist totalitarian dictatorship of Nikolai Ceausescu.

Both images used are in the public domain and were obtained from Wikimedia Commons.

Armenia's Independence Day

The coat of arms of Soviet Armenia

Hillary Clinton

“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Armenia as you celebrate the 20th anniversary of your Independence this September 21.

The United States values our relationship with Armenia, rooted in mutual respect and interests. Together, we are working to reduce poverty, expand trade and investment, promote the work of civil society groups and broaden access to healthcare. As we celebrate the bonds between our two countries and honor Armenia’s rich cultural heritage, we reaffirm the commitment of the United States to strengthen the cooperation between our two countries.

Whether you celebrate with family, friends or loved ones, know that the United States is a partner and friend. Congratulations and best wishes to all Armenians around the world for a peaceful and prosperous year to come.”

Note: Armenia’s sovereignty was hijacked by the Bolsheviks and incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1922.  Along with other Baltic states, Armenia declared independence from the USSR in 1991.

Image used above is in the public domain and was obtained from Wikimedia Commons.

The Slovak Republic’s National Day

Hillary Rodham Clinton

September 1, 2011

Note: Czechoslovakia was one country ruled brutally by the Soviet Union.  The Prague Spring in 1968 brought a brief hope of democracy until the Soviet Army invaded Czechoslovakia, instated a new puppet government, and did away with the “counter-revolution.”  After the fall of the USSR, free elections resulted in the partition of Czechoslovakia as independent democratic countries: the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, commonly known as Slovakia.

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Slovak Republic on the anniversary of your constitution this September 1.

Nineteen years ago, the people of Slovakia adopted an independent constitution that enabled your country’s extraordinary transition to a sustainable democracy. Today the Slovak Republic is a pillar of regional stability, a leader in economic integration, and a model for security cooperation. Our two nations share a mutual commitment to promoting freedom and defending our shared democratic values around the world. The strong cultural and familial ties between Slovakia and the United States have fostered a close partnership and an enduring friendship between our countries and our people.

As you celebrate this milestone in your democratic heritage, I wish all Slovaks continued peace and prosperity in the year to come.

Moldova's National Day

Gheorghe Ghimpu replaces the
Soviet flag with the National
flag over Parliament. 4/1990.
Courtesy of Wiki Commons

Moldova celebrates 20 years of Independence from the Soviet Union, validating the sacrifices made by anti-Soviet resistance fighters over the years.  It has also been two years since the democratic political parties banded together to check the power grabs of the Moldovan Communist Party.

Hillary Rodham Clinton:

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of Moldova as you celebrate the 20th anniversary of your independence this August 27.

As Vice President Biden underscored during his visit to Chisinau in March, the United States remains a committed partner and friend. We are a strong supporter of Moldova’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and we will continue to support you as you work towards becoming a free and prosperous part of the European community.

Over the past two decades Moldova's reforms have led to even greater peace and prosperity. I encourage Moldova's leaders to continue to find ways to expand opportunity to even more Moldovans.

Congratulations again on twenty years of independence and best wishes for a safe and joyous celebration.

VIDEO: 20th Anniversary of Estonian Independence from USSR

By Hillary Clinton

Happy 20th anniversary, Estonia! On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate each of you as you celebrate the restoration of your country’s independence.

Today, we honor the heroes who stood up for freedom 20 years ago – without resorting to violence or aggression. On August 20, 1991, with Soviet troops descending on Tallinn, your Supreme Council declared the reestablishment of Estonia as an independent state. This heroic move gave Estonia back its freedom after 50 years of violent oppression and tyranny.

Reclaiming your independence without the use of force took great courage. But your accomplishments in the years since have been equally inspiring. You have continued to set an example for the world -- first negotiating the withdrawal of Russian troops, and then rebuilding after the damage of years of communist occupation.

Today, Estonia is a shining example for countries around the world yearning for democracy and economic opportunity. Your successes give hope to those in the Middle East and North Africa who are looking to fulfill their own aspirations and realize their own potential.

So as you celebrate this special day with family, friends and loved ones, please know that the United States stands with you – now as we have in the past – standing with you as an ally, a partner and a friend. We are committed to your future and we look forward to strengthening our already strong partnership in the years to come. Thank you very much.