US Embassy in Luxembourg's Independence Day Reception on 28 June 2023; Credit: Chronicle.lu

Each year on 4 July, the United States of America celebrates Independence Day (also known as the "Fourth of July"), a federal holiday commemorating the Declaration of Independence ratified on this day in 1776.

On 4 July 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted this historic document declaring the nation's independence from Great Britain.

Today, the US celebrates this national holiday with firework displays, barbecues, picnics, parades, carnivals, fairs, concerts and baseball games, as well as family gatherings, official ceremonies and political speeches.

Fourth of July celebrations also take place each year in Luxembourg, where there are over 2,000 residents with US citizenship (2,144 as of 1 January 2023, according to STATEC).

This year, on Thursday 28 June, the US Embassy in Luxembourg held an early Independence Day Reception with over 300 guests. The colour guard and national anthems (of both the US and Luxembourg) were followed by a speech by US Ambassador Thomas "Tom" Barrett. Guests could also enjoy hot dogs, mac and cheese, popcorn, tacos and mini burgers, followed by mini apple pies, watermelon wedges and ice cream. Crémant and Ramborn cider added a Luxembourgish touch to the festivities.

The American Women's Club of Luxembourg (AWCL) is also organising a picnic in Merl Park on Tuesday 4 July 2023, from 18:00 to 22:00. Further information, including registration details, are available on the AWCL website: https://www.awclux.com/.