US Embassy in Georgia marks Fourth of July

The United States Embassy in Georgia celebrated the US’ Independence Day yesterday with a special celebration.

The annual celebration, typically marked on July 4, saw more than a hundred guests commemorate the 238^th anniversary of when the US signed the Declaration of Independence.

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and US Ambassador Richard Norland spoke at the commemoration event.

Garibashvili congratulated all American citizens on the importance of the occasion and mentioned the significance of the US’ support and partnership with Georgia.

Our countries’ friendship is based on common interests and values. We appreciate the significant contribution of the US in the development of our country and we thank you for your assistance at the most difficult times in our history, Garibashvili said.

In response, Ambassador Norland thanked Georgia’s leader for attending the celebration and bringing a large Georgian delegation to the event.

I can’t tell you what an honour it is to have the Prime Minister here with so many members of his cabinet. In a way, the signing of the EU Association Agreement is a declaration of independence again by Georgia, reaffirming its right to choose whatever economic and security partnerships it wants to in the region. And that’s something that the United States is going to continue to support strongly as we work in support of Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, Norland said.

The reception was attended by almost all cabinet members, the Speaker of Georgia’s Parliament, Members of Parliament, ambassadors of various countries and representatives of local non-governmental organisations.

US Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The document saw the US declare independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.