AmCham and U.S. Embassy celebrate the Fourth of July

U.S. Independence Day celebrated with due grandeur in Tirana

The Fourth of July, America’s Independence Day, has become a traditional holiday for the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania. This year, the 235th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence was celebrated in Tirana with all the grandeur it deserves at an event attended by about 1,000 guests.

“July 4 is the day when all of America respectfully bows before the work of the Founding Fathers who gave the nation the values that today constitute the foundation of a great country. These values have accompanied Americans for 235 years, offering a valuable example for us [in Albania] as well. That’s what brings us together in a day like this. It is the respect for these democratic values that helped give birth to a new nation and were followed by several generations,” AmCham Executive Director Floreta Luli-Faber said in her speech.

Commemorating the special day, U.S. Ambassador to Tirana Alexander A. Arvizu spoke at the event about the values the Fourth of July sends through the generations.

“We remember the day when a group of 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence, and the signing of that declaration not only meant independence from England, but formed the foundation of our new philosophy,” Ambassador Arvizu said.

At the end of the greeting ceremony, as it has become a custom for many years, a birthday cake was cut was to celebrate the 235th anniversary of America’s birth.

The July 4 celebrations are always held at the Wilson School campus, with the attendance of about 1000 guests -- Albanians and Americans.

The party had typical American elements to it, with a picnic format making up much of the event. Food, beverages, entertainment for children, gifts and fireworks helped in creating a very festive environment at the event.