On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I extend warm wishes to the people of Hungary as you celebrate Saint Stephen’s Day on August 20.

On Saint Stephen’s Day, we remember the enduring legacy of King Stephen I, who unified all Hungarians. The United States is proud of its role in honoring that legacy during the more than 30 years that we protected the Crown of St. Stephen on behalf of the Hungarian people.

My own family will always be connected to Hungary. My grandmother Ida was born and raised in Budapest, before crossing the Atlantic for the United States near the turn of the 20th century.

Today we share more than genealogical connections for so many. We also share democratic principles, economic interests, rich cultural ties, and a commitment to safeguard international peace and security.

U.S. and Hungarian troops continue to serve together around the world as NATO allies. And together, we promote the rule of law, transparency, and good governance, both abroad and at home.

The United States looks forward to continuing to work with Hungary in pursuit of our common goals in the years to come.