Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send my warmest congratulations to the people of the Czech Republic as you celebrate your national day on October 28.

"I will always have a personal connection to the Czech Republic. My grandfather, the son of a brewer, was born there. After immigrating to the United States along with my grandmother, he made his way to Boston, where my family still lives. My grandparents’ experience exemplifies the rich personal bonds that exist between our two countries. We celebrate these bonds because they make our country more diverse, our culture richer, and our national character stronger.

"The United States and the Czech Republic are working together to advance human rights, security, and economic growth throughout Central Europe and the world. We thank you for your role as our protecting power in Syria, and we look forward to continued cooperation as NATO allies, responding to regional and global challenges.

"On this anniversary, the United States celebrates alongside you as a steadfast ally and friend."