Hundreds of guests join in US embassy 4th July Independence Day celebrations
by Ruth Aman
Tuesday 4 July 2023
Independence Week begins in early July in North America. Not only do Canadians celebrate their independence from Britain on July 1st, but the United States of America has their own festivities on the 4th of July with a big showcase of fireworks, festivals, and great food. Though one can expect how great the celebration would be in the United States of America on the first Tuesday of the month, one may not have expected how a large gathering was occurring within Canada’s capital to celebrate US Independence Day.
US Ambassador to Canada Michael Cohen and his wife Rhonda Cohen extended an invitation to dignitaries, government officials of various nations, organizations, businesses and local community members to their residence, Lornado, to celebrate the 4th of July. Those in attendance included former Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson; City Councillor Rawlson King; Black History Ottawa Board members led by President, June Girvan; Elevate International’s CEO Solange Tuyishime; award-winning lawyer and social justice advocate Lawrence Greenspon, together with ambassadors and High Commissioners of countries such as Nigeria, Rwanda, and many more. Over 500 people were in attendance representing the diversity and interwovenness of both Canada and the United States of America.
Ambassador Cohen was appointed to his post in 2020 and has been advocating for greater and stronger relationships between Canada & the United States. As a Philadelphia native, Cohen used this opportunity to bring elements from his hometown and his new home together. This was seen in the array of food, music, and decorations throughout the outdoors of his residence. Food from notable places such as Pat’s King Steak, Buddakan, and the viral Insomnia cookies were presented for guests, representing Philadelphia’s traditional eats. On behalf of Ottawa and the great Canadian North, fan favourites such as the King Eddy, Smokes Poutinerie, the Merry Dairy and Beavertails were served for guests. Representing Black-owned businesses, Ottawa restaurant J’TM debuted their flavour-packed menu including its lamb & plantain dish and crispy cauliflower bites.
Near the end of the night, all protocol was held as a short ceremony and performances commenced. The ceremony began with an Indigenous opening prayer done by Elaine Kicknosway, a member of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation who thanked the ancestors for the sun, the land, and the people. Following this was the official Presentation of the Colors by the United States Embassy Security guard detachment Color Guard. At this moment, a member of the US Embassy Office sang a beautiful rendition of both the national anthems of Canada and the United States. Following performances included Inuit throat singing, the singing of the Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice” by Stefan Keys and an energetic performance by Los Lobos Band.
Award-winning journalist and CTV Power Play’s host Vassy Kapelos hosted this portion of the night and opened her remarks by speaking on Ambassador Cohen’s dedication to the unity and prosperity of both nations. She noted that no other American ambassador has ever travelled throughout Canada as Ambassador Cohen has. In eighteen months he has visited all seven consulates throughout Canada, eight out of the provinces and is soon to visit another province and territory in the coming months.
Ambassador Cohen also approached the stage to make his own remarks with his wife Rhonda by his side. He began by thanking all who had come out to celebrate not only the independence of the United States but the relationship between the two nations. He spoke about the different elements of this year’s program and explained that diversity and inclusion are not things that only he is passionate about, but they are things that both President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau dedicate themselves to. Therefore, he brought Indigenous, Canadian, and American traditions and values all into one event to represent the harmony in each culture.
Reflecting on US-Canada relations he recognized that both nations have grown in years but also in evolution. They have experienced hard situations, especially referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet they both have emerged stronger and as closer friends and allies.
He wisely said, ‘The health of a nation is not judged by years but by ideas and values that sustain and renew our societies and institutions of government. Both nations have remained enduring and vibrant beacons of liberty and democracy for the rest of the world to see and emulate’.
In closing, he noted and acknowledged that no country is perfect, but in the pursuit of democracy, all things will be made better.
After a brief intermission, the Los Lobos Band, a class American rock band, played lively music as guests danced the night away.
