HILARY HOSIA
Although there were no fireworks to commemorate the July 4 celebration this year, the US Embassy in Majuro graced the event last Friday at Jitak with a new twist: A special highlight on teachers and students. The inclusion of educators and students in the US guest list is a first compared to previous Fourth of July celebrations.
The event marked the 248th anniversary of US independence.
The Embassy is currently engaged with the Public School System with the intention of reintroducing the US Corner program. US Corner was available in several schools and libraries including Assumption Schools and the Learning Distance Center for the College of Marshall Islands in Jaluit.
The program provides learning material and computer access to US related research and studies. Embassy Consular and Public Affairs Officer Joshua Murray hopes the engagement with PSS will result in the return of the program.
And what better way to kickoff the 248th birthday celebration than to rock the night away with special performance from the Army rock band Tropic Rock from the 4th Infantry Division out of Hawaii. Partygoers went home satisfied thanks to the usual patriotic spread of burgers and hot dogs mixed with island delicacies and a photo booth set up by Chewy Lin and Goodwind Silk.
US Army veteran and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani Kaneko spoke on behalf of President Hilda Heine, who was present among the crowd. The dinner was sponsored by US Charge d’Affaires Lance Posey and spouse Kathy.
Commander for the US Army Garrison, Kwajalein Colonel Andrew Morgan was also present for the celebration.