Hi. I’m Caroline Kennedy. And I am honored to serve as the next
US Ambassador to Australia. I am eager to learn all I can about the First Nations Australians
culture and traditions. Australia’s modern multicultural society the incredible natural environment and abundant natural resources as well as civic engagement, sports,
snacks and the southern sky and oceans. Before I arrive, I want to share with you why this opportunity means so much
and why I will do everything I can to be worthy of it. I know that our countries are the
strongest of allies. And that our parents and grandparents fought side by side for more
than 100 years. Their sacrifices made it possible for us to live in two of the world’s
greatest democracies. Countries that share a commitment
to individual freedom and the rule of law and
economic opportunity. For me, it goes beyond that. In 1943 my father’s PT Boat was sunk
by a Japanese destroyer. If not for the help of two Solomon
Islanders and an Australian Coast Watcher he and his crew would not have survived. He wanted to be the first sitting
President to visit Australia. So I am honored to carry his legacy
forward in my own small way. President Kennedy inspired a generation
to public service. They transformed America. Fighting for civil rights, serving
in the inner cities and outer space. They passed that commitment on to their
children and grandchildren. In our family, that commitment
began at home. And for me, it began with the
women in our family. My grandmother was a woman of
deep faith and patriotism. She made sure that her children and
grandchildren understood that there is nothing more rewarding
than helping others. And that we each have a responsibility
to serve our country. My mother believed that words
and ideas could change the world. In my books on the Constitution and
American history, and my work in education I have tried to make our fundamental
democratic ideals accessible to new generations. The most important thing I learned
is that none of us expect to be the ones who have to
fight for freedom. But we must each be prepared to stand up
for what we believe in if we want to pass these
precious values on. When my husband Ed and I
got married 36 years ago we came to Australia on our honeymoon. We always dreamed of coming back
and we brought our three children in 2014. We fell in love with the people we met
and the places we went and I can’t wait until my new
grandson comes to visit. I am honored to represent
President Joe Biden who I have admired since I was a
Senate Intern in 1974. He worked closely with my Uncle Teddy
on the issues that matter most. Health care and economic justice
for working families. When I was Ambassador to Japan, I worked
closely with Vice President Biden. He visited the region and strengthened
relationships with our allies and partners No one is more committed to advancing
peace and stability Fighting climate change and increasing
American economic engagement in the region than the Biden/ Harris
Administration and I am proud to be a member of the team. I look forward to working closely
with Prime Minster Albanese Foreign Minister Wong and their
government to advance our shared democratic values, strengthen our
commitment to a healthy, peaceful and prosperous Indo - Pacific and advance
the transition to a green energy world. I hope to make friends and learn from
as many people as I can especially young people who deserve
the strongest voice in their future. So please come up and say hello
if you see me. This is a critical time in the history
of our two countries. What we do together in the next few years will determine the future of the region
and of the planet. And I can’t wait to get started.
