US embassy reception for the 4th of July - The last one with Ambassador Tsunis

The commitment to embed inclusion, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility into the broader policy of the US Embassy, ​​thus ensuring that "everyone feels they belong", ςασ underlined βυ the Ambassador of the United States of America, George Tsunis, in the his speech during the reception.

 “It is a sacred duty to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities. We must find the courage to confront historical and structural inequalities, to ensure that every person, without exception, has the opportunity to prosper and become the best version of themselves," stressed Mr. Tsunis.

Tsunis: "An honor to serve my country in the homeland of my ancestors"
As he mentioned, the US Embassy in Greece has funded programs to train people who, through 3D printing, solve everyday accessibility problems, has invested in educational collaboration between schools and universities, as well as in short-term programs for teachers, so that to make their classrooms more inclusive.

For Mr. Tsunis, today's 4th of July reception was his last as ambassador to Greece.

“It was an honor to serve my country in the homeland of my ancestors. Today is a day to celebrate the birth of the American, democratic experiment, based on the principles and values ​​that were born here, in Athens, and which the two countries share at important crossroads in their history," he said.

He added that in addition to being a celebration, the 4th of July celebration is also a call to action.

"A call to all of us, to find the courage to act daily based on our beliefs. We are defined by our choices: love instead of hate, unity instead of division, dignity for all," he said.

George Tsunis also added that a "commitment from everyone to action is needed to protect our precious democracy. Having choices is a gift of democracy. This, however, comes with the obligation to fight for it every day: We must not be spectators in the face of threats such as social insecurity and inequality, the climate crisis. We must act on the belief that all people have the right to dignity. Let us commit to ensuring safety and respect in public discourse, to rejecting hatred and division, to embracing sensitivity, love and hospitality. We cannot and must not tolerate political violence like what we saw happen to former President Trump in Pennsylvania. It does not represent who we are as a people. It does not represent what democracy is fighting for," he concluded.