Benjamin Leon Jr. highlights “Spain holds a very special place” in the 250th anniversary of US independence

The Diplomat The US Ambassador to Madrid, Benjamin Leon Jr., delivered a speech this Saturday, July 4, commemorating the 250th anniversary of his country's independence, an event in which, he affirmed, “Spain holds a very special place.” “250 years ago, men and women in a young nation across the Atlantic celebrated an extraordinary event: the birth of the United States of America,” Leon stated in his address, accompanied by his wife, Mavileibys Campa Felipe. “When Americans remember our independence, we remember the men and women who dreamed of freedom, we remember their sacrifice, we remember their determination to build a new nation on ideas that at that time were revolutionary in the most literal sense of the word,” he continued. “But we also remember those who stood by our side,” the ambassador added. “Among them all, Spain holds a special, very special place, because the independence of the United States was not just an American story, it was a shared story,” he stated. Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4, commemorating the date in 1776 when the 13 colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. To mark the occasion, the ambassador hosted a reception last Thursday, July 2, which was attended by more than a thousand people. For its part, the Spanish Embassy in Washington posted on social media that “this year is especially significant.” “As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, we celebrate a friendship that dates back more than 250 years: a friendship strengthened by Spain’s support for American patriots in their fight for independence,” it added. “As we commemorate 250 years of independence, I call upon our allies and embassies around the world to join us in celebrating the American principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a message posted on social media. “Freedom has prevailed here thanks to the culture and character of the people who declared it, defended it, and preserved it. We have reached a milestone like no other and celebrate with joyful hearts and soaring spirits,” wrote US President Donald Trump. “Today, America awakens 250 years later as a beacon of hope, a republic entrusted to its people, an idea that changed the world. A nation worth preserving. A dream worth pursuing. A freedom defended by every generation,” the White House posted.

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