They are actually celebrated just before or after the holiday. The United States Embassy to the Holy See celebrates its party on July 3.
I attended a Fourth of July celebration in Moscow a number of years ago, and I was pleasantly surprised at how many Russians had come to congratulate us on our national holiday.
Now, as the husband of the Ambassador to the Holy See, I have had the opportunity to co-host a Fourth of July celebration.
An amazing number of fellow diplomats and members of the local community came by to savor American hamburgers and hotdogs. The ketchup and mustard flowed freely and both hamburger and hot dog buns were consumed in amazing quantities.
For more than 45 minutes, Callista and I greeted guests and took pictures as they came through the gates.
The Marine security guard at the Embassy paraded the colors and the National Anthem was played in a moment of solemnity in the midst of a fun party.
The Navy Maritime Winds woodwind quintet provided entertainment. This year, they briefly became a seven-piece ensemble as Ambassador Gingrich and her good friend, Amy LaCivita, brought their French horns to the party. Since Callista and Amy had played together in the City of Fairfax band for more than 25 years, they were able to fit right in with the Navy players as they performed "America the Beautiful."
The deeper historic significance of our national holiday was described by Callista in a brief talk.
Her speech really caught the meaning of our national Independence Day, and I want to share it with you.
"Americans come together with family and friends on the Fourth of July to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and to celebrate the birth of our nation. It's a time to reflect on a unique and remarkable moment in history, when 56 men from 13 colonies gathered in a simple statehouse in Philadelphia and changed the world.
"With one voice they emerged and declared "that all men are created equal." They mutually pledged to each other, their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor on the belief that government must derive its power from the people.
"For 242 years, the signing of the Declaration of Independence has been a symbol of liberty, democracy, and justice.
"And while each year we pause to celebrate our nation's birthday, we also reflect on our shared responsibilities as Americans. Our forefathers launched a great experiment in 1776 – one that requires each generation to preserve freedom for the next. As Benjamin Franklin cautioned, 'A Republic – if you can keep it.'
"The lessons of America's independence were not meant to be left behind in 1776 – nor confined to the United States. The values and ideals enshrined in America's Constitution have been emulated by democracies around the world.
"Of course, challenges remain. Today, millions of people around the world suffer under oppression and tyranny – deprived of freedom, security, and prosperity.
"Faced with these great challenges, the United States and the Holy See share a deep and enduring commitment to advancing freedom and justice around the world.
"Over the past year, we've had the good fortune to highlight the many ways in which the United States and the Holy See work together on this noble effort.
"Last May, President Trump and his family visited the Vatican to meet with the Holy Father. President Trump and Pope Francis discussed the shared priorities of the United States and the Holy See on a number of issues, including combatting terrorism and safeguarding human rights.
"The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See has been hard at work with the Vatican to build on these shared objectives, from fighting human trafficking, to highlighting the work of women religious, to advancing and defending religious freedom.
"Two weeks ago, our embassy held a symposium on defending international religious freedom.
"Their Eminences Cardinals Parolin, Coutts, and Sandri graciously joined us.
"This event amplified our joint efforts to defend religious freedom in the lead-up to the 'Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom,' which will be hosted by Secretary Pompeo later this month in Washington, D.C. I am pleased to announce that His Excellency Archbishop Gallagher will travel to Washington for this ministerial.
"In April, Archbishop Gallagher also joined us for a symposium illustrating the remarkable contributions religious women make to advance peace and human rights around the world.
"One of these women, Sister Maria Elena Berini, was honored by the United States as an International Woman of Courage for her service in war-torn communities in Africa.
"And earlier this year, at the Santa Marta Conference, we reaffirmed our shared commitment with the Holy See to combatting the global evil of human trafficking.
"Working together with the Vatican, the United States Embassy to the Holy See will continue to promote peace, freedom, and human dignity around the world.
"And now, please raise your glass and join me in a toast to the anniversary of our Declaration of Independence, and to the bonds of friendship that unite America and the Holy See. Salute!
'Thank you. God bless you all. And God bless the United States of America!"
I hope your Fourth of July is as amazing and exciting as ours has been and remember:
Happy birthday, America: The best is yet to come!
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Newt Gingrich is a former Georgia Congressman and Speaker of the U.S. House. He co-authored and was the chief architect of the "Contract with America" and a major leader in the Republican victory in the 1994 congressional elections. He is noted speaker and writer. The above commentary was shared via Gingrich Productions.
Tags: Newt Gingrich, commentary, Celebrating American Freedom, Around the World To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service and "Like" Facebook Page - Thanks!
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