Like the US in 1776 and 1959, Bosnia today has a bold goal - progress towards membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union, and the United States supports this goal because it will serve to measure Bosnia's strengths and skills, US Ambassador to Bosnia Eric Nelson said Tuesday celebrating July 4, the 243rd birthday of the US, at the US Embassy in Sarajevo.

Speaking to the guests, representatives of international institutions and members of the diplomatic core at the Embassy building, the US Ambassador recalled the words of US President Donald Trump from the National Security Strategy who said that freedom, free trade, justice for all and dignity of every individual are the key values that make the US what it is today.

“We will never forget our values and their inspiring strength which gives hope and invigorates,” Nelson said.

This year, he added, the US celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing and thus celebrates the achievement of the incredible goal set by US President John F. Kennedy who said that the US decided to fly to the Moon not because it was easy, but because it was hard.

Nelson emphasised that Bosnia's success does not depend on the international community, but on the citizens of this country and what they can do for it.

“The US is ready to help in that respect because it offers a partnership to those striving for freedom and prosperity,” he said.

The US independence day celebrates the adoption of the US Declaration of Independence which was adopted on July 4, 1776. On that day, the US declared independence from Great Britain.