In cooperation with the U.S. Embassy, the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania organized and event to celebrate the 233rd anniversary of the American Independence Day. 

About 700 American citizens, AmCham members as well as representatives of the civil society and media attended the celebration. 

The event was greeted by AmCham President Philip Bay, who although was unable to attend, sent a letter to all guests. Mr. Bay reminded those attending that the Fourth of July is a holiday that Americans share with friends and it serves as a day to focus on the values that helped give birth to the American nation, values which are followed from one generation to the next. 

U.S. Ambassador John Withers participated in the celebration and met with all attendees. He also participated in a children's baseball game. 

The cake-cutting ceremony for America's birthday culminated the event, bringing together Ambassador Withers, AmCham Executive Director Floreta Luli-Faber and Vice President Genc Boga. Under the multicolor fireworks, they wished all American and Albanian guests, "Happy Fourth of July." 

The party had had all the elements and colors of a typical American celebration, including an American-style picnic with traditional food, drinks, music, baseball and other fun games for kids who used the pool at Wilson School to play in the water. The sounds of children playing offered an even livelier holiday atmosphere.