Virtual celebration for US Independence Day

The Embassy of the United States of America to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean commemorated the 4th of July on Saturday with its first ever virtual celebration.

Usually the mission would have celebrated in grand style at their Wildey St. Michael Headquarters alongside government ministers, the diplomatic corps, prominent business people, clergy, and key Mission contacts. However, 2020, which marked the 244th anniversary of the US Independence, also emerged as the year with strict rules against social gatherings due to the coronavirus.

“Normally, we would celebrate this milestone together, but this has not been a normal year,” US Ambassador Linda Taglialatela said, reflecting on the pandemic which has not only claimed over 100 000 lives in the United States and over 400 000 lives across the globe, but has caused unprecedented economic damage with the loss of millions of jobs.

Ambassador Taglialatela also recalled the tragic death of George Floyd and the public outcry that followed in the United States, and throughout the world, indicating “this serves as a reminder that the Union created 244 years ago is a living project”.  

“Generations of Americans have fought to make our goals of justice and equality a reality, from abolitionists to suffragettes to civil rights activists. A democratic project is never fully finished. It is a work in progress. We citizens are called upon to defend and perfect it. We must ensure justice for all people, no matter the colour of their skin, their religious affiliation, political beliefs, gender or sexual orientation,” she insisted.  

“We are grateful for all the Caribbean sisters and brothers who showed support for our American citizens struggling for justice. We do not take your support for granted nor do we take for granted the democratic values we share with the Caribbean, such as freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.”   

The Ambassador further expressed, “I look forward to the time when we can celebrate our bonds, our independence, and our shared commitment to fairer and more just societies not just in the United States and the Caribbean, but throughout the world.”

The entertaining event started off with the Embassy’s Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Leland Lazarus’ impressive rendition of the US national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner” with the Marine Corps; followed by acapella group Freedom’s Boombox, and Juanita Clarke & her band – Clarke will represent Barbados at the US Musical Exchange Program ‘One Beat’. (TL)