Independence Day – 4th of July

2 July 2009

Please click here to view photos from the event

Last weekend, all U.S. citizens in the United States and abroad celebrated U.S. Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July. To celebrate the 233 Anniversary of America’s Independence, the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw and Consulate General in Kraków held a series of special events including the opening of the American Dream exhibit in Kraków and a festive reception in Warsaw for over 2,000 Polish and American guests. “It is a great pleasure to see so many of you have joined us today to celebrate America’s birthday but this is your day too,” said Ambassador Ashe during his welcome speech. “Just as Americans cherish the fundamental rights set forth in our Declaration of Independence, you in Poland have a special appreciation of liberty.” After the Colors Presentation by the U.S. Embassy Marine Security Guard Detachment, Isis Gee performed the American National Anthem, and Bogna Kicińska sang the Polish National Anthem. Colonel Richard C. Runner, Defense Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, was the Master of Ceremonies. The Representative Orchestra of the Polish Air Force provided musical entertainment throughout the evening and the reception ended with a traditional fireworks display against the Warsaw skyline. Please click here to view photos from the event. In the United States, Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Since Independence Day is a summer-themed holiday, the celebrations often take place outdoors.

On July 4, 2009, U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, issued a special video broadcast on behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States. “For Americans, the 4th of July is a day to reconnect with loved ones, to remember our history, and to renew our commitment to democracy, tolerance, and justice,” Secretary Clinton said. “These are not just American values, these are core principles we share with people everywhere.”
On Wednesday, July 1, U.S. Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe and Consul General Anne Hall opened the American Dream exhibit at the National Museum in Kraków and held a reception in honor of the holiday. Club “Marchołt” in Katowice organized a family picnic on July 2 with a barbeque and live music to celebrate American Independence Day. The American Chamber of Commerce in Warsaw held their annual celebration for Saturday, July 4.
The American Dream exhibition, organized by the National Museum, Jagiellonian University and the U.S. Consulate in Krakow, is part of U.S. Mission Poland’s celebration of the 90th Anniversary of Polish-American diplomatic relations. The project, conceived over 18 months ago, will show the way the idea of “America” influenced Polish imagination from 1945-1989. The exhibition includes audio and video clips from American music, film and literature that had a special significance for Poles and will include several large scale installations such as the Apollo lunar landing and the famous City Lights bookstore in San Francisco. “We are especially delighted that the exhibition also features thirty American Photorealist paintings from the collection of Louis K. and Susan P. Meisel,” said Consul General, Anne Hall.  “American Dream” will be on display through October 4, and the National Museum has put together a wonderful events calendar to accompany the exhibition. 
American Dream
National Museum in Krakow
Main Building, Al. 3 Maja 1
July-October 2009
http://www.amerykanski-sen.pl/