Santo Domingo, D.N.– The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo held a reception to celebrate the 241st United States Independence Day. The event was hosted by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Patrick Dunn and his wife Meltem Ercan-Dunn.
The event began with the color guard Infantry Corps of the Embassy Marines, followed by the national anthems of both countries. The United States national anthem was performed by a group of Embassy officials, while the Dominican national anthem was sung by the choir of the National Conservatory of Music.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Dunn, who was accompanied on stage by the Dominican Foreign Minister, Miguel Vargas Maldonado, thanked the attendees for coming and said: “Celebrating the foundations of our nation’s birth alongside our friends and family is a good time to reflect on our continuous pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.”
This year, the theme of the celebration was country picnic and barbecue, which are one of the emblematic traditions of the United States. The gardens of the embassy residence were transformed with multicolored lights, barn facades in red, white and blue, games and several barbecue stations. Upon arrival, guests received a colorful welcome drink created for the occasion called “2-4-1”, consisting of gin, lemon juice and cucumber. In line with the country fair theme, the diplomatic mission invited four members of the North Carolina Barbecue Society, who prepared traditional Southern style dishes and barbecue meats for the guests enjoyment. At the end of the evening, attendees enjoyed the traditional fireworks display with country music in the background.
About the 4th of July
The 4th of July of 1776 marks the date in which the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. Since then, the date is celebrated as the United States Independence Day. Every year Americans enjoy fireworks, concerts and other festive activities. This date symbolizes progress and constant change in American culture. The Erie Canal, the Washington Monument, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroads (the first public works built in the country), are all constructions that began on a Fourth of July.
