Speech by Hanke Bruins Slot at the US embassy’s Independence Day reception

Speech | 26-06-2024

Your Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, My dear friend Shefali,

It’s a true pleasure to be here.

Today’s theme is ‘California Dreaming’ … a beautiful song that reminds me of a powerful quote: ‘A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work,’ as Colin Powell once said.

Those words certainly apply to you, Shefali. We can see the proof of that here today. I would like to thank you, and your fantastic team, for hosting this festive event! You've even managed to arrange some good weather, which is quite a feat in our rainy country!

The close ties between the people of our countries are reflected in all kinds of wonderful ways… Today, I’d like to share one in particular that moves me deeply.

As darkness falls over a bridge on the river De Waal in Nijmegen, a pair of street lights are illuminated, one on each side of the road. A few seconds later, another pair lights up. Then another – slowly but steadily. After twelve minutes, every pair is shining brightly. 48 in total. Every night.

And every night, rain or shine, a Dutch veteran, accompanied by anyone who wishes to join them, walks across that bridge, matching their pace to that of the street lights. Some are lost in thought. Some speak with others… Yet they always walk with quiet determination. Every night.

This recurring event tells a story, not of countries, but of people. The story of young Americans who crossed the water near that bridge in canvas boats, on September 20th, 1944. Soldiers who gave their lives for the freedom we still enjoy to this day. Forty-eight of them in total.

But it also tells the story of those people who ensure that this sacrifice is remembered every day. Like ‘Oma Trees’, aged 96, who walked the bridge last year, supported by her walker. Or Hein Calis, a terminally ill patient whose final wish was to take part in the Sunset March. Or Dirk-Jan van Zuidam, one of the initiators of the march, who has walked this route thousands of times, and is present here today.

Their efforts are invaluable. Because the values of democracy, freedom and independence – the values that those men fought for in Nijmegen, the values that so many men and women continue to fight for – are our values. They shape our lives. Our work. Our way of life. Our future.

It inspires me to see how ordinary people are taking responsibility and standing up for those values. And how, over the years, our countries have always stood side by side to protect them. Right now, on the edge of Europe, in Ukraine. But also in the Middle East. And with that in mind, let me commend President Biden for his Gaza peace plan initiative, and his efforts to make it a reality, however difficult that may be.  

Next week, there will be a new government in the Netherlands. And in a few months' time, there will be elections in the US. Yet, while leaders come and go, I know that our values will endure. And that whatever the future may bring, we will remain united in our belief in democracy and freedom.

A belief shared not just by our leaders, but by our people too. From those who march across the bridge in Nijmegen to everyone present here today, celebrating freedom and independence. Indeed: people are the common thread.

And Shefali: I want to thank you – as well as your husband and children – for your dedication to fostering human connection. One moment, you're setting up a stall on King's Day, and the next, you're visiting a Dutch pancake restaurant… It’s hard to keep up with all your activities!

And while your love of pancakes is commendable, of course… what I truly admire is your dedication to getting to know the people of our country. In doing so, you acknowledge and celebrate the identity of our society … I believe that contributes to a better world. That it helps us better understand each other's perspectives.

At the same time, you are also sending a compelling message: That a true democracy must be an inclusive one. That we need everyone on board to make it work – now, and in the future.

It’s a message you’re sending in all kinds of ways… By reaching out to the Dutch LGBTIQ+ community… By reflecting on our role in the history of slavery… By promoting diverse women in leadership…

And simply by telling the young girls you encounter: ‘Your dreams can become reality. You can be anything you want – it just takes sweat, determination, and hard work.’ Just like Colin Powell said.

Indeed, true connection is not just about listening. It’s also about sharing. And showing vulnerability… such an undervalued quality in today’s world. Yet such a valuable one, as I saw at the signing of the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention, where I was deeply impressed by your moving, personal story.

All these efforts strengthen the bond we share, not just the bond between our countries, but the bond between our people too. A bond that’s timeless and inspiring, carried forward, along with our values, by the people of our countries, with each step we take, and with each moment we spend together. 

Just as you did when you yourself walked the bridge in Nijmegen, together with Dutch veterans and members of the public. Just as many people do at Fort Liberty in the US, where – inspired by the Nijmegen Sunset March – they march every night to honour their veterans. Just as so many people here do every day, by building and deepening our transatlantic ties through culture, trade and everything else that we share. And just as we’re doing right now, by spending time together on this lovely afternoon.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It’s time for me to conclude. Let’s enjoy this moment together… Let’s enjoy some California dreaming. And I’m glad we can finally say: on such a summer’s day. Thank you.