Celebrating 232 Years of American Independence

U.S. Embassy, Phnom Penh
July 4, 2008

Members of the Embassy Phnom Penh Marine Corp Detachment present the colors. Full Size

The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh celebrated the 232nd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with its largest reception of the year, held right on the Embassy grounds.  More than 1,000 Cambodian government officials and civil society representatives attended the event. The embassy was honored to have H.E. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, serve as the senior representative of the Royal Government of Cambodia.
 
Embassy Consular Officer Jean Akers served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening, speaking in both English and Khmer.  The official program began with the Presentation of the Colors by the U.S. Marine Color Guard. The Cambodian national anthem was sung by Peace Corps Volunteers Samuel Snyder, Cara Snyder and Autumn West, while Alexis Mussomeli sang the American national anthem. Next U.S. Ambassador Joseph A. Mussomeli and H.E. Hor Namhong delivered remarks and made toasts commemorating the special day. Live musical entertainment was provided by the U.S. Navy SEVENTH Fleet Band "Orient Express," and the evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display accompanied by a stirring medley of American patriotic music.

In his toast, Ambassador Mussomeli stated, "Two hundred and thirty-two years ago on this day every tyrant was put on notice that the world was not going to operate as it had in the past.  Every tyranny 'over the mind of men,' as Jefferson put it, would no longer be tolerated.  Fear, insecurity, apathy — these are the great threats to freedom and the secret weapons of every tyranny…Against these threats stands the true spirit of July 4, 1776.  A spirit that upholds the dignity of every man and woman, that cherishes freedom, law, and justice, and that calls on us all to throw off our fears and our hatreds and live in the freedom God bestowed on us all."

Guests had the opportunity to learn more about the Fourth of July holiday and the US-Cambodia bilateral relationship by watching the Embassy's July 4th television special and viewing a special slideshow presentation. Guests also received a US-Cambodia friendship flag pin as a parting gift.

For the American community in Cambodia, the Embassy again hosted an Independence Day Festival on July 6th. Co-hosting the event were the American Cambodian Business Council and the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Nearly 1000 people also attended this celebration, which featured magicians, clowns, acrobats, face painting, a "dunking booth", a hot dog eating contest, and music by "Orient Express."  And like the official celebration on July 4th, the highlight of the event was the presentation of the colors by the Phnom Penh U.S. Marine Security Guard Detachment with the American national anthem sung by Alexis Mussomeli.

By all accounts, each event was a huge success, and the Embassy extends its thanks to the events' sponsors and to all those who attended.