U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam Celebrates the 238th Anniversary of American Independence

United States Ambassador to Tanzania Mark B. Childress (left) and Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Lazaro Nyalandu toast the 238th anniversary of American Independence and the bonds of friendship between the two countries.  Minister Nyalandu joined scores of Tanzanians, members of the diplomatic corps, and other distinguished guests at a colorful Independence Day reception at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam on June 26, 2014. (Photo courtesy of the American Embassy).

In celebration of the 238th anniversary of American Independence, United States Ambassador to Tanzania Mark Childress hosted a colorful reception at the U.S. Embassy grounds on June 26 in Dar es Salaam.  The event focused on four iconic cities in the U.S.: Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago and New Orleans, and finished off with a fireworks display.  The guest of honor from the Government of Tanzania was Hon. Lazaro Nyalandu, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism. 

Addressing an audience of approximately 500 guests, Ambassador Childress remarked that both the United States and Tanzania stand for liberty, justice and prosperity.  At his first Independence Day celebration as the U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania, Ambassador Childress pledged to further strengthen the friendship between the two nations.  More specifically, Ambassador Childress said he will work closely with the Government and People of Tanzania to address the problem of wildlife trafficking.

In his remarks, Hon. Lazaro Nyalandu congratulated the American people on the occasion of their Independence Day, and remarked on the birth of the relationship between the U.S. and Tanzania with the close friendship between the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and the late President John F. Kennedy.  Minister Nyalandu also commended Ambassador Childress for his commitment to wildlife conservation, and pledged to ensure Tanzania does all that is within its powers to combat the problem of elephant poaching.

The United States’ Independence Day, commonly referred to as Fourth of July, is celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, announcing the separation of America from Great Britain.