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 pillars of the nation.
The message was shared by U.S. diplomatic representations in various countries under the hashtag #Freedom250, as part of the celebrations for the semiquincentenary organized by the Trump administration.
More than words on a page
Rubio opened his speech by rejecting any reductionist view of the nation, and identifying -as is common 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 living civilization, a unique and distinct nation, different from any other nation or people in the history of the world," he affirmed.
The head of U.S. diplomacy emphasized that freedom cannot be sustained solely by written documents
"Our founders knew that freedom was not an abstract concept floating above history. They understood that promises on a parchment alone could not liberate a nation."
In that same vein, he issued a warning to the regimes that invoke rights without ensuring them:
"Many failed states and tyrannical regimes have borrowed the words of rights and freedoms. But a constitution is only as strong as the people to whom it belongs."
The spirit of the frontier as a national principle
Another central theme of the message was the idea that the United States is, by nature, a border nation, 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 limits of the Earth itself."
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 direct call 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."
Next, he 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 may 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 expected attendees and a show of 860,000 fireworks effects in 40 minutes.
The night before, President Donald Trump delivered a fervent speech at Mount Rushmore, where he proclaimed that the United States is "the most successful, accomplished, and exceptional nation that has ever existed in the history of humanity."
In the same speech, Trump described communism as the greatest historical threat to the country, even surpassing the two world wars or September 11.
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