Special Interview with US Ambassador Pamela Hyde Smith

Ambassador Smith, what does the 4^th of July mean to you as an American and as representative of that country?

The fourth of July is a very special holiday for Americans because it celebrates the publication of our Declaration of Independence. This landmark document differentiated the United States from other countries throughout history. We founded our democracy on a set of principles, abandoning hereditary monarchy in favor of government by the people. The Declaration of Independence is an essential part of what makes us a nation based on law, rather than on geography, ethnicity, or historical accident. The founders of the United States were fundamentally united by a common philosophy centered on human rights above all else. I am very proud to be the representative of the United States in Moldova on this occasion.

How was it celebrated in your own home when you were young and how does your family celebrate it today?

My family always used the occasion of the fourth of July to have a family reunion. My great-uncle and great-aunt would host a huge picnic, and all generations of the entire extended family would come for the day, each bringing food for a Barbeque and feast. They lived on a lake, so the children would swim, and in the evening we set off fireworks and watched the town fireworks display, which we could see across the lake. Whenever I’m in the U.S., we try to recapture this tradition, and in Washington, we are able to enjoy the national fireworks set off near the National Mall.

What would you say are some of the most valuable traditions in American culture, and what do they promote in the people?

Visitors to the United States frequently comment on the patriotism of average Americans. For example, Americans love and respect their flag, and often display it outside of their homes year round. Even those Americans who do not put up the flag on a regular basis will often do so for holidays such as Independence Day. Patriotism is a very important tradition for us, and it has helped sustain us morally and psychologically in the aftermath of September 11.

I would also say that the distinctive American holidays such as Thanksgiving and July 4 are valuable because they stress the importance of family and community in our lives. Whether it is the family gathered together for a traditional dinner of thanks in November, or town festivities and fireworks on Independence Day, Americans like to celebrate our holidays in ways that bring us closer together.

Are there any Moldovan holidays that you enjoy? How important do you think they are in revealing the country’s historic past?

I have not yet been in Moldova a full year, and consequently I have not yet been able to participate in all Moldovan holidays. I enjoyed the celebration of Martisor very much. I think that this was a beautiful way to celebrate the end of winter and the rebirth of spring. This is a holiday that I wish that we celebrated in the United States. I was also very impressed with the celebration of Memorial Easter here in Moldova. 

Each country has its own customs but we share a lot in common. What cultural aspects bring Moldova and the U.S. closer together?

Moldovans are a very warm and hospitable people. I have already been fortunate enough to visit several communities for the opening of farm stores and other community events, and I have been a guest on a wonderful private farm. In all cases I was very impressed with the welcome I was given. I have also been impressed by the activism and enthusiasm of young people in Moldova. I sense a growing spirit of volunteerism here, and that is a very important quality of American civic life.

Is it possible to compare the 4th of July experience of the American people and the events that followed Moldova’s struggle for independence?

I have not been in Moldova for your celebration of independence or of “Our Language” day at the end of August, so I need more time to form an impression. Perhaps I will be able to answer this question next year.

What are some of the methods you apply in your work to achieve a better understanding of the local people?

When I first arrived, I made a point of visiting each of Chisinau’s museums, which provided an excellent introduction to Moldovan history and culture. I have also explored the countryside, visiting Orhei Vechi, several monasteries and some of your fine old wooden churches. In addition, it has been a joy to attend numerous concerts and operas in Chisinau. But this has all been in my “spare” time; my work has also taken me to interesting events in Ungheni, Drochia, Cahul, Comrat, Raciula and Nisporeni. In each place I have met wonderful people, and I look forward to more travels during my stay in Moldova.

How can your personal experiences in this country help the strengthening of mutual ties between our two countries?

I hope that by getting to know Moldova well, I understand its politics and social evolution in enough depth to speak about them with authority to my colleagues in Washington, and to guide our programs and policies accordingly. I also hope, of course, that a firm grounding in Moldova enables me to make American policies and practices clear and well known here. We have an excellent basis for friendship and cooperation already, and I certainly aim to strengthen our ties.

Have you acquired anything new since you came to Moldova and how has it influenced your perception of American and Moldovan life?

I have been given several lovely paintings, one in particular that means a great deal to me. And I have bought two paintings already – I sense that there will be more to come. Through the beauty of art, I enjoy the Moldovan sensibility daily. But more important than art are the friends I have made, both Moldovan and American. I didn’t know a single person in Moldova before I arrived eight months ago, and now I feel as though I’m part of a large network of good, warm relationships.

How would you address your compatriots on the occasion of Independence Day?

I hope that Americans in Moldova feel proud to be American and proud to be representing our country and our values in Moldova. Working and living here is not always easy, as we are far from home and from our families and our traditions, but we are made to feel very welcome thanks to Moldovan generosity and hospitality! Happy Fourth of July to all!

Prepared by Natalia Corobco