ON July 4, 1776, 217 years ago today, representatives of the 13 American colonies gathered in Philadelphia to declare their independence from Great Britain.
These farmers, merchants and scholars declared that ''these United Colonies are, and of right, ought to be, free and independent states''.
With this Declaration of Independence, the founders of the United States set out to build a nation and a government.
We, their descendants, will be forever grateful for their courage and wisdom. Their faith in the ability of citizens to govern themselves, and the institutions they established to protect our liberty, have inspired people around the world in their own struggles for freedom and self-government.
On July 4, Americans everywhere re-dedicate themselves to fulfilling the dreams of the founding fathers, and addressing the challenges of democracy.
More than 25,000 Americans now live here [in Hongkong], and the number is growing. US firms have invested more than US$7 billion in Hongkong enterprises.