Programs & Events
Hundreds Gather to Celebrate the Fourth of July
U.S. Embassy, Phnom Penh
July 03 - 04, 2009
Hundreds of Americans, Cambodians, and guests gathered at the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh to celebrate the U.S. Independence Day this past weekend. The celebration began with the presentation of the colors by U.S. Marines and the singing of U.S. and Cambodian national anthems at the Embassy’s official event on the evening of July 3.
In addressing an audience of diplomats, business sponsors, and distinguished members of the Cambodian government, U.S. Ambassador Carol A. Rodley reflected on the journey of the United States of America as one of the world’s oldest democracies, saying, “President Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said, ‘Freedom cannot be bestowed, it must be achieved.’ Democracy is a living, breathing institution that must constantly adapt and evolve to meet new challenges that our [founders] could not have foreseen.”
With this in mind, the Ambassador commended and encouraged Cambodia’s leadership to follow the footsteps of the United States. “Cambodia’s leadership has faced many challenges in its path towards democracy, and although there have been hurdles along the way, the overall progress has been in a positive direction.”
Ending her speech on a hopeful note, Ambassador Rodley toasted to “the good health of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, His Majesty the King’s Father and Her Majesty the King’s Mother, and to the bond of close friendship and active cooperation between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the United States of America, and to the prosperity of our two peoples.”
In his remarks Deputy Prime Minister of National Defense Tea Banh emphasized how the Royal Government of Cambodia has “tried very hard with strong political determination in strengthening democracy, enhancing human rights, and fighting against corruption.” Democracy, he said, “has to move along with the laws of the country and national stability and peace.” He too toasted to the “good relationship between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the United States.”
Red, white, and blue streamers and stars hung high across the Embassy compound as guests enjoyed an elegant outdoor reception following the official remarks. The official event was complimented by the Embassy’s “Fun Fourth” event, which took place outdoors in the Embassy compound on July 4.
The “Fun Fourth” event was opened to all in the community and was organized by the U.S. Embassy’s Community Liaison Office. Over 1000 tickets were sold for the event as attendees of all ages enjoyed circus performers, face painting, a host of local food vendors, a hot dog eating contest, a dunking booth, a number of door prizes, and music from Filipino band 17th Crush.
The U.S. Embassy would like to give thanks and express its sincere appreciation to all who helped and participated in its events.
