Flag Raising Remarks by Ambassador James F. Moriarty

New Embassy Compound, Maharajgunj
 
9:00 AM July 11, 2007

His Excellency Minister Poudel

Colleagues and friends:

It is an honor to be here for the first flag-raising at our new American Embassy in Nepal.

As the great American writer, O. Henry, once said, “You can't appreciate home till you've left it, money till it's spent, your wife until she's joined a woman's club, nor Old Glory till you see it hanging on a broomstick on a shanty of a consul in a foreign town.”

The raising of this American flag over this new Embassy building is an auspicious occasion.  This building is not merely a new office space.  It is a symbol of home and assistance to all Americans in Nepal.  It is the location of friendship, partnership and contact for Nepalis seeking to build ties with the United States.  It is a symbolic and physical testament to the long-term American commitment to Nepal. 

Like a mosaic, this building came together through the important contributions of different people and organizations.  Specifically, I’d like to thank Dennis Franco and his Overseas Building Operations construction team, Cadell Corporation and its partner ENKA Corporation of Turkey, and the Nepali government.  I would also like to thank my Embassy staff and Marine Guard detachment, as well as the local Maharajgunj community in which we are located.

I am honored that Minister Poudel and all of you are with us today to celebrate this historic moment.  Thank you.