ambassador's OUTREACH
Embassy Dublin Celebrates U.S. Independence: Ambassador's Residence: June 30, 2007.
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| Americans display the colors at the July 4 celebration at the Ambassador's Residence: June 30, 2007. |
Embassy Dublin celebrated U.S. Independence Day a little early this year with a blow out party at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to the United States, Thomas C. Foley. Attended by over a thousand of the Embassies closest friends and contacts, the party was capped by a spectacular display of fireworks over the lawn of the residence. Although there was a party atmosphere at the function, it was not forgotten that Independence Day has a deeper meaning for Americans than an excuse to eat hamburgers to their heart’s content.
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| Ambassador Foley and guests at the July 4 celebration at the Ambassador's Residence. |
On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress of the United States of America made a declaration of statehood. Within that declaration was a sentence that changed not only our country but the whole world: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” That concept has been the underlying concept of the legal structure and the policy of the United States ever since.
The date of July 4 has taken on legendary overtones for Americans. It is often the source of great pride to claim being born on July 4. The legendary vaudevillian, George M. Cohan, claimed to be born of the 4th of July to show how proud he was of his American heritage. He expressed his pride at being an American of Irish heritage in many of his popular songs including “I’m A Yankee Doodle Dandy” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag”. Americans all enjoy celebrating our birthday with great food, fun and fireworks and Embassy Dublin has kept up that tradition.
