We are here today to remember and to memorialize Boris Nemtsov, who was assassinated outside the Kremlin three years ago today.

Boris Nemtsov committed his life to public service. He was a leading figure of Russia’s democratic movement and former regional governor, energy minister, and deputy prime minister. He died attempting to build a freer and more prosperous Russia.

Boris Nemtsov was a Russian patriot. His life and work were devoted to giving all Russians the just and accountable government to which men and women across the world aspire. He understood that the Russian nation can achieve greatness only through respecting the fundamental rights, of which they have so often been deprived in the past and continue to be deprived of today.

On this anniversary of his death we remember Boris Nemtsov’s life. We call upon Russia’s leaders to protect the basic rights of their own people. Freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, freedom of association. These are what Boris Nemtsov stood for. And what he died for.

Thank you for the opportunity to honor Boris. His memory is not forgotten. And his dream is lives on.