By Victor Ashe U.S. Ambassador to Poland
Greetings to The Warsaw Voice and readers of your annual American supplement coinciding with the 231st anniversary of American independence.

American Independence Day is an auspicious occasion to recall the invaluable contributions of Poles such as Tadeusz Kościuszko and Kazimierz Pułaski to the American cause. Kościuszko, a brilliant engineer, helped design the fortifications at the stronghold of West Point on the Hudson, and was a key architect of the momentous victory at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, which marked a turning point in our struggle for independence. And Pułaski, the "Father of the American Cavalry," created Pułaski's Legion, one of the few cavalry regiments in the American Continental Army. Pułaski gave his life in our revolutionary cause during a cavalry charge at the battle of Savannah. To this day, America remembers: Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate posthumously awarded Pułaski honorary citizenship of the United States.

The close ties between Poland and America can be traced back for over two centuries, and even longer-back to the original Jamestown settlement established 400 years ago. Historians have uncovered that there were five Polish artisans in the first years of the settlement, manufacturing the first products for export from the New World. Some wags have pointed out that in 1619 these same Poles staged the first strike in the New World. But it is significant to recall that the Polish workers went on strike not for higher wages or better working conditions, but for democratic rights, to demand full civil rights and inclusion in the political process. They won their case, as Virginia's House of Burgesses granted them the same voting privileges as those enjoyed by the English.

Today, America's ties with Poland are stronger than ever on a number of levels ranging from business and investment to strategic interests to the long-standing, historic connections that have tied our two countries together for more than two centuries.

Bilateral trade between the U.S. and Poland amounts to more than $4.1 billion per year, a record amount that continues to increase. Poland has become a lucrative destination for U.S. investment abroad, and more than 120,000 workers in Poland are now employed by U.S. firms.

Poland is a significant contributor to international security, and a trusted and dependable NATO ally and UN member, with forces in Afghanistan, the Balkans, and Lebanon on NATO and UN missions. Polish troops have served with distinction in Iraq since the outbreak of hostilities. Poland's air force continues to take delivery of the 48 sophisticated F-16 fighters it purchased, upgrading its air defense capabilities for service well into the 21st century.

In late May the U.S. and Poland opened formal negotiations on plans to base one of the European components of missile defense in Poland to counter the emerging long-range missile threat from the Middle East. The U.S. is proposing to build a site for 10 missile interceptors on Polish territory, and a long-range radar site in the Czech Republic. Upon the successful conclusion of the negotiations, construction would begin in 2008 and the system would be operational in 2011. I view this proposal as further evidence of the confidence America places in Poland as a strategic partner, and yet another concrete example of the ties closely linking our two countries together in a strategic partnership for years to come.

Recently I was asked by President Bush to continue as U.S. ambassador to Poland for the duration of his term in office. I enthusiastically accepted the president's offer. It is a great honor to serve as ambassador representing the United States here in Poland, and I and my family all look forward to our extended stay and service in Poland.

I have often said that I am the U.S. ambassador to all of Poland, not just Warsaw, so I have made a point of traveling twice to all 16 provinces to meet with civic officials of cities and towns throughout this beautiful country. At this writing, I have visited upwards of 140 municipalities, and I intend to keep up that pace in the remaining year and a half of my time as ambassador.

Thanks to the editors for providing this supplement and the opportunity to greet your readers. I wish all a festive celebration of America's Independence Day!