On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of San Marino on the occasion of your national holiday, the Feast of San Marino, on September 3.

San Marino’s commitment to democracy has echoed through the ages. In 1861, at the start of the U.S. Civil War, Abraham Lincoln held up San Marino as proof that a state founded on republican principles can endure.

A century and a half later, these ideals continue to sustain our partnership as we work together to protect human rights, advance economic opportunity and support democracy around the world.

As we further our longstanding ties of friendship in the coming year, I send my best wishes to the people of San Marino for a joyous holiday celebration.