It is a special pleasure to be asked to give a toast tonight in honor of our first 75 years. I'd also like to thank Brandon Grove, his committee and AFSA for organizing the one-year long celebration and education. One focus of your efforts is to let Americans know what their Foreign Service does for them, and to help us attract the next generation of American diplomats. To all of you, and those tonight beginning your careers, to Nick Bomba, who won the high school essay contest, and to the hundreds of high school students from around the country who participated, let me say there is no finer way to use your talents in service to your country than the Foreign Service. Looking back at my own career, I have had the intellectual challenge of working on issues of war and peace, the rewards of protecting the environment and the lives and property of U.S. citizens, the challenges of spreading democracy and free markets and the pride that goes with promoting U.S. products and investment.
Few careers offer that much challenge, stimulation and satisfaction.
What's more, I have had the pleasure of carrying out these tasks on almost every continent, which was a tremendous benefit and a cultural education for me and my family. For any person, the chance to live life that fully is a great blessing. But those of us in the Foreign Service know we are doubly blessed because we have the opportunity to devote our talents to serving our people and our country. We are proud to represent a great country that has been a beacon of hope to others for over 220 years. Tonight, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Foreign Service.