The Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a video message on Saturday addressed to allies and embassies around the world on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, appealing to American exceptionalism, faith, and the unique character of the American people as the foundations of the nation.
The message was shared by U.S. diplomatic representations in various countries under the label #Freedom250, as part of the celebrations for the quincentenary organized by the Trump administration.
More than words on a page
Rubio began his speech by rejecting any reductionist view of the nation, and identifying -as is customary in the U.S.- the term «America» with the United States.
"America has never been just a proposition. It has always been a real and vibrant civilization, a unique and distinct nation, different from any other nation or people in the history of the world," he asserted.
The head of U.S. diplomacy emphasized that freedom cannot be sustained solely through written documents:
"Our founders understood that freedom was not a floating abstraction over history. They knew that promises on a parchment alone could not liberate a nation."
In that same vein, he issued a warning to regimes that invoke rights without guaranteeing them:
"Many failed states and tyrannical regimes have borrowed the language of rights and freedoms. But a constitution is only as strong as the people it belongs to."
The spirit of the border as a national principle
Another central theme of the message was the idea that the United States is, by nature, a nation of borders, not only in a geographical sense but as a principle of collective life.
"We are a people born on the edge of the known world," Rubio stated, drawing a line that goes "from the hardworking pioneers of the Oregon Trail to the astronauts who transcend the very limits of Earth."
For the Secretary of State, that drive for constant improvement defines the nation: “America made the border a principle of national life.”
Faith, exceptionalism, and global calling
Rubio concluded his speech with a declaration of faith and a clear appeal to the international community:
"America is an exceptional nation because we are an exceptional people. With God's grace, we will continue to be so for the next 250 years."
He then called on Washington's allies to join in the commemoration:
"I ask our allies and embassies around the world to join us in celebrating the American principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Happy Independence Day! And God bless the United States of America."
The message is part of the celebrations for "Salute to America 250," the main event at the National Mall in Washington D.C., with over a million attendees expected and a show of 860,000 fireworks effects in 40 minutes.
The night before, President Donald Trump delivered an impassioned speech at Mount Rushmore where he proclaimed that the U.S. is "the most successful, the most accomplished, and the most exceptional nation that has ever existed in the history of humanity."
In that same speech, Trump described communism as the greatest historical threat to the country, even more significant than the two world wars or September 11.
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