2007 Archives
Talking Points for Daniel Pearl World Music Day
A Concert by the Young and Musically Gifted
Deputy Chief of Mission Richard W. Nelson
(As Delivered)
October 10, 2007 – 15:00-17:00, at the Ambassador’s Residence
Representative of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of External Relations,
Excellencies and Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Honored Men and Women of the Media,
Dear Guests and Friends,
Ladies, Gentlemen and the Youngest Among Us,
Today the U.S. Embassy brings together music and the media in a unique concert to commemorate slain American journalist Daniel Pearl. Pearl was abducted and killed by terrorists in Pakistan, five years ago. But for us today, Daniel Pearl represents all journalists everywhere. He is a symbol of the journalist at risk: on the front lines of war, covering conflict, investigating crimes, filming protests, seeking inside sources, giving a voice to the voiceless and exposing corruption.
Daniel Pearl’s life was cruelly cut short, but he had already achieved a great deal as a professional journalist. His family and friends describe how his investigative stories “uncovered the truth from the rubble of war and devastation.” For twelve years he worked at the Wall Street Journal until becoming South Asian Bureau Chief in 2002, the year of his death.
Not all who receive the news daily realize what journalists may face in seeking to establish the facts of a story. Rigor in journalistic investigation has a price. Often, too often, uncovering truth is risky business. Yet it is in the interest of all members of civil society to defend those who provide information. The media elucidates the options available in a free society and reflects upon what is happening around us. Protection of the media guarantees each citizen’s right to know, something in which Daniel Pearl believed firmly.
As Pearl devoted his life to journalistic writings, so too, did he bring peoples of different cultures together with his other passion, that of music. Pearl was a violinist, fiddler and mandolin player. On international assignments, his musical gift moved him to join local bands and musical groups.
It is in this spirit that the Daniel Pearl Foundation conceived Daniel Pearl World Music Days. During the first two weeks of October, a global network of concerts rings out around the world as a reminder of Pearl’s legacy.
Our event in 2007 falls exactly on Daniel Pearl’s birthday. Today, October 10, Pearl would have turned forty-four.
Like Pearl, our youngest guests today are children whose musical talent transcends cultural borders. They embody the U.S. Embassy’s wish to render the occasion bittersweet yet full of meaning, for these children are the genius of tomorrow. Their creativity is pure truth. Their musical drive is our homage to music’s healing powers in promoting world peace and creating bridges for cross-cultural understanding. This is the wish of Daniel Pearl’s family: to bring cultures together “through journalism, music, and innovative communications”.
Every day journalists risk their lives getting the story. Diplomats sometimes also risk their lives keeping the lines of communication open. Music, admittedly, outdoes us both in reach and scope.
Haitian radio journalist Jean Dominque said many years before he was murdered outside his radio station in Port-au-Prince: “You cannot kill the truth, you cannot kill justice. You cannot kill what we are fighting for: participation of the citizen.”
Today the U.S. Embassy is proud to stand by the media, by diplomacy, and by children who are the promise of tomorrow.