Americans have a special affinity for Georgia. I know that I do. And I think that one of the things that helps Americans and Georgians to understand each other so easily is our shared love of freedom and independence. Alan Purcell, Chargé d`Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Georgia, during the festive reception dedicated to the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence.

"Over the years, our US government exchange programs have opened new educational and professional doors for thousands of Georgian students, teachers, small businesses, and professionals.

Georgia has a unique and rich cultural heritage, and I am pleased that we support efforts to preserve this heritage for future generations.

Perhaps most fundamentally, the United States remains unwavering in its support of Georgia`s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. And I suppose I don`t need to spend too much time telling this audience about the great things that Georgia and the United States have done together because so many of you here tonight are the ones who have actually done them and who are continuing to do them… Thank you for your partnership. Among those shared achievements, none speak more powerfully than the moments when Georgia`s defense forces have stood shoulder to shoulder with American service members in demanding missions abroad.

Their courage has drawn our nations even closer, and we remember with deep gratitude the Georgians and Americans who gave their lives in that shared service, a sacrifice that binds our two nations still.

Turning to tonight`s event and the people and organizations that made it possible, I would like to thank our sponsors who went all out this year to celebrate this historic anniversary, and I hope that everyone is able to enjoy the food, drink, and all of the offerings.

Thanks so much to our band, which is a combination of musicians from the State of Georgia National Guard and the Georgian Defense Forces. What better way to celebrate than with a Georgia, Georgia Jam session? And some of you have already discovered this, but we have some special items on display over to my right. Another American milestone this year is the one hundredth anniversary of Route 66, the iconic road west that carried a newly mobile generation toward their dreams, both before and after World War II.

Thanks to the American Sports and Culture Association and the Georgian Historic Vehicle Association, we are thrilled to be able to create our own Route 66 here tonight, where you can see rare classic cars that remain a symbol of America. And at the end of Route 66, you can see more remarkable symbols of America`s industrial heritage provided by the Georgian Defense Forces, including a Huey helicopter. So it`s a bit of a walk out there, but we will keep these displays open until eight thirty, and I encourage you to check them out. And finally, on a personal note, I would like to thank all of you, the incredible staff of our embassy, Georgian friends, and international partners for your friendship, hard work, and commitment to achieving goals in the interest of us all. It is an honour to labour together with you. Happy birthday, America, and საქართველო გაუმარჯოს", - said Alan Purcell.