In conjuction with the 234th independence anniversary of the United States, the Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has sent a congratulatory letter to the President Barack Obama.
"On behalf of the government and the people of Malaysia, it is my great pleasure to extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to you and the government and the people of the United States of America on the occasion of the 234th anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America on July 4."
"I recall with satisfaction the productive discussions we have had during our bilateral meeting on April 12, 2010 in Washington D.C.
And I am pleased with the optimism that both you (Obama) and I share on the future direction of Malaysia-US bilateral relations."
Najib recalled the very first bilateral meeting between U.S. and Malaysia in the Nuclear Security Summit 2010 held in Washington. The meeting had undoubtedly propelled the U.S.-Malaysia's relation to a new level and Malaysia does look forward to continue building up mutual beneficial relations on an upward trajectory in the future ahead.
ON the other hand, the participants of the SUSI program had a great honor to attend the 40th Annual Independence Day celebration with the 306-year old Illinois community held in the Kaskaskia Island, which was free and open to the public.
The ceremony was a big success- Opening remarks was given by Don Welge; Emily Lyons from Randolph County Archives and Museum gave warm welcome to everyone and Randolph County Circuit Clerk Barb Brown made special introductions to the participants of SUSI program. Other important guests included Mayor Joe Eggemeyer of Chester and Mayor Deborah Gahan of Perryville, Missouri.
The Chester Municipal Band directed by Steve Colonel performed patriotic music such as "Let Freedom Ring", "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America" ; area Boy and Girl Scouts, as well as French Marines from nearby Fort de Chartres State Historic Site also participated in the ceremony. The 1874 church bells next door was rung by family of John Schmerbauch to signify the freedom for the American people, which was one of the highlights for the whole event.
Called the Liberty Bell of the West, the 650-pound Kaskaskia bell was given by King Louis XV of Franceto the church of Kaskaskia in 1741. It is older than the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. The bell was cast in La Rochelle, France in 1741 and inscribed with the words: POUR LEGLISE DES ILLINOIS PAR LES SOINS DU ROI D’OUTRE L’EAU which means "For the Church of the Illinois, by gift of the King across the water."
On July 4, 1778, during the American Revolution, the bell was rung to celebrate the liberation of Kaskaskia from the British by the American forces of George Rogers Clark and his Long Knives.
In short, being in the celebration is totally a brand new experience and the American's strong spirit of patriotism is definitely an indelible hallmark inherent among the nation.
God bless America!
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