Tony Blair on What It Is to be an American
By popular demand, I’m reposting Tony Blair’s speech before Congress in 2003 on what it means to be an American. Happy Fourth of July!
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has spoken so well on so many occasions about why we fight the Global War on Terror. But, one of my favorites is his speech to Congress on July 17, 2003. Not only does Blair know why we fight, he also knows why we’re proud to be American. Here’s an excerpt:
Tell the world why you’re proud of America. Tell them when the Star-Spangled Banner starts, Americans get to their feet, Hispanics, Irish, Italians, Central Europeans, East Europeans, Jews, Muslims, white, Asian, black, those who go back to the early settlers and those whose English is the same as some New York cab driver’s I’ve dealt with … but whose sons and daughters could run for this Congress. Tell them why Americans, one and all, stand upright and respectful. Not because some state official told them to, but because whatever race, color, class or creed they are, being American means being free. That’s why they’re proud.
He’s right, you know. I’ve traveled throughout Europe and central Asia. Everywhere I’ve gone, alone or with friends, the natives have told us they can tell we’re Americans. Now, keep in mind, this is often before we’ve said a word. When I ask how they know they say, “We can tell. Americans just carry themselves differently. You don’t even walk like everyone else.”
Please read the whole speech. It still rings as true today as it did 3 years ago. And it will fill you with a pride and appreciation for how truly blessed you are to be an American.
Update: I was reminded by Republicanpundit of this other salient passage:
We are fighting for the inalienable right of humankind–black or white, Christian or not, left, right or a million different–to be free, free to raise a family in love and hope, free to earn a living and be rewarded by your efforts, free not to bend your knee to any man in fear, free to be you so long as being you does not impair the freedom of others.
That’s what we’re fighting for. And it’s a battle worth fighting.
And I know it’s hard on America, and in some small corner of this vast country, out in Nevada or Idaho or these places I’ve never been to, but always wanted to go…
I know out there there’s a guy getting on with his life, perfectly happily, minding his own business, saying to you, the political leaders of this country, “Why me? And why us? And why America?”
And the only answer is, “Because destiny put you in this place in history, in this moment in time, and the task is yours to do.”
We understand the importance of our place in world history. We accept the challenge and are honored to lead the way.
(Cross-posted at Falcon’s Crest)
Posted by Falcon
July 4th, 2006 at 1:34 am
A great speech that makes me proud to be American and proud to have this fine gentleman as our friend and ally (even if he is liberal).
July 4th, 2006 at 2:22 am
Thanks, Jeanette. It makes me proud to know that even a European liberal (albeit a great British wartime leader) GETS IT.
July 4th, 2006 at 5:15 am
Falcon, you missed another important part of the speech. I cannot qoute it ver batim, but it went like this: there have been many times throughout history that powerful governments have had to take action to change the world for good, including my own country. It is simply your (U.S)turn.
July 4th, 2006 at 9:51 am
Thanks for this posting, Falcon! Great stuff!
July 4th, 2006 at 9:56 am
You’re welcome Kathy. I just added another great passage.
Thanks, RP, for reminding me.
July 4th, 2006 at 10:41 am
[…] Falcon at Hang Right Politics reposts Tony Blair’s 2003 speech to Congress on what it is to be an American. […]
July 4th, 2006 at 12:06 pm
It was a great speech.
It shows a clarity of vision (from Blair) of what we are about. It’s sad that all Americans don’t realize this.
Thanks for the re-posting, Falcon.
Happy 4th!
July 4th, 2006 at 12:12 pm
Thanks for this uplifting post!
July 4th, 2006 at 12:51 pm
[…] Hang Right brings us something great: Tony Blair on What it Means to Be An American. One of those things we never quite saw on the news: […]
July 4th, 2006 at 1:30 pm
Thanks from me, also. Ditto on prior comments. I believe these things–and I’ll bet it sounded great in a British accent.
July 4th, 2006 at 2:56 pm
The Gift That Increases
At the very beginning of The American Soul, Jacob Needleman tells the story of “You don’t know what you have here,” said the old man to the students who had gathered to meet him in the summer of 1974, who spoke with contempt of the Vietnam War, the…
July 4th, 2006 at 3:30 pm
A year or so ago, Fred Barnes almost wept when talking about this speech. Ever since then, I’ve looked for a recording of it but haven’t found it yet.
It was a beautiful speech and Blair sure delivered it well!
July 4th, 2006 at 4:51 pm
I believe the part that we Americans carry ourselves differently. My next door neighbors (D and L) are from China (they are now US citizens - I helped them study for their test) and entertain their relatives who still live in China. D’s Mom always comments on my carriage. She throws her shoulders back, puts her head up and tries to mimick me. L says her mother-in-law loves the way I move, so confident and sure, looking everyone in the eye.
They LOVE this country and are now trying to bring their relatives into the US permanently.
Thanks for reminding me of this amazing speech. I cried through the whole thing with pride (I am 1/2 Eng., Irish, Welch)and 100% American. I thank God every night that I had the good fortune to be born in the USA.
July 4th, 2006 at 6:57 pm
Its good to hear that at least one liberal leader appreciates this Country. Happy “Revolution day” to ya’al!
July 5th, 2006 at 12:16 am
Falcon. thanks for finding that part of the speech. It will be remembered in history as well as the one Churchill gave toe the congress during WWII.
Happy fourth!!
July 5th, 2006 at 2:51 pm
Thank you for this.