Ambassador's Remarks for Fulbright Alumni Reception
April 27, 2006

The Fulbright Scholarship program was the brainchild of Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. 

Senator Fulbright had two sources of inspiration in creating this exchange program. 

One was his own years as an exchange student:  Fulbright had been a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, so he knew first-hand what a life-changing experience study abroad could be. 

The other was the clear need he saw, after the death and destruction of World War II, for promoting a program that would foster mutual understanding between the United States and other nations, one that through educational and other exchanges might help the world avoid the kind of travails it had just gone through.

Our societies are at another important moment, very different than that which inspired Senator Fulbright, but one which represents a choice between going forward and marching in place, or even moving backward.  Now – a time of peace with greater access to knowledge, wealth, and the ability to communicate than ever before - is the time for us to secure meaningful progress in democratic reform and economic opportunity in the Americas. 

The close relationship between El Salvador and the United States is possible because both of our countries embrace fundamental political and economics freedoms.  The initiatiativew we are currently working together on -- CAFTA,  poverty reduction through the Millennium Challenge Account, transparency in government, and other pro-democratic reforms – are meant to support our shared goals.   As Fulbright Scholars, you have posses the knowledge and experience that can accelerate this movement forward.    

I salute you for the work you have already accomplished and for the good things that lie ahead.   The distinguished Ambassador of El Salvador to the United States – is a former Fulbrighter, as is the Embassy’s Minister-Counselor Luis Aparicio.  So are former Vice Minister of Health Herbert Betancourt and current Vice Minister of Education Jose Luis Guzman. 

I’m am especially pleased that, in addition to the Salvadoran Fulbright scholars who are here, we also have with us some of the American students and scholars working and studying here in El Salvador under Fulbright auspices.  The presence of both groups  shows that this is truly an exchange program and a perfect example of what Ambassador Karen Hughes, the Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and a recent visitor to El Salvador, regards as the four pillars -- and the four E’s --of public diplomacy:  engage, empower, educate and exchange.   

Engage with us at the Embassy and empower those of your fellow citizens working hard to make El Salvador a model of democratic progress, economic prosperity, educational opportunity, and social well-being. 

Work with us as we work with your government, the private sector, NGOs, and others who want only the very best for El Salvador and its future.