Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, of the United States' many formal relationships around the world, our alliance with Australia is among the most important and enduring. This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of that alliance, one which I am pleased to say is as strong today as when the ANZUS Treaty was signed half a century ago. But the bonds connecting the United States and Australia are far deeper than those outlined in a simple piece of paper, regardless of its undoubted importance. We share common origins, common political institutions and governing principles, a common commitment to peace and freedom around the world. That commitment was tested many times in the past century, when Australian and U.S. forces fought side by side in a series of conflicts from World War I and World War II to the wars in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. Many of the fallen share common graves. Today, we recognize not only the past importance of our alliance with Australia but its continuing significance in a new century of unfamiliar challenges and unplumbed dangers. The strength of that alliance was newly demonstrated in the wake of the terrorist attacks on America September 11 when our Australian ally immediately pledged its unconditional support for the United States.”