From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
U.S. Ambassador Nicole Avant Marks the United States’ 235th Anniversary of Independence with “A Salute To California”
By US Embassy
Jul 6, 2011 - 6:37:46 PM
U.S. Ambassador Nicole A. Avant gives remarks during the U.S. Independence Celebration’s official ceremony. (Photo: Derek Smith)
|
Nassau, Bahamas - U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas Her Excellency Nicole A. Avant and her
husband Mr. Theodore Sarandos hosted the official U.S. Independence Day
celebration at the U.S. Ambassador’s Liberty Overlook home on Saturday,
July 2. The event was held under the theme, “A Salute to
California”, and it brought together guests from throughout The Bahamas
and the United States and to enjoy and sample an array of California’s
culture and cuisine. Musical entertainment for the occasion was provided
by Jazz Etc. who performed a repertoire of California songs with the evening
culminating in a spectacular fireworks display set to Tchaikovsky's
Overture
of 1812.
Ambassador Avant, speaking on behalf of U.S.
President Barack Obama, thanked her guests for their continued support and
friendship to the people of America and referenced a remark made by President
Obama.
“This is the day when we celebrate the very
essence of America and the spirit that has defined us as a people and as a
nation for more than two centuries.”
The evening was set aside to pay tribute to the
Ambassador’s home state of California and she highlighted what makes the
State so unique.
“Our nation’s ‘golden
state’ is unique not only because of its geographic diversity, but in
that it houses an array of differing nationalities, religions and political
views…California is the most populous state and has the distinction of
being the eighth largest economy of the world.”
Ambassador Avant also expressed gratitude to the
men and women representing the U.S. Armed Forces whose selfless dedication
allows all Americans to maintain their freedom and liberties. Those
gathered observed a moment of silence in remembrance of those servicemen and
women who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Presentation of colors by the United States Marine Corps Nassau Detachment and the United States Coast Guard.. (Photo: Derek Smith)
|
In his remarks, Governor General of The Bahamas
His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes used the occasion to reiterate the strong
bilateral friendship and the democratic values shared by both The Bahamas and
the U.S. and thank Ambassador Avant for her work in local communities
throughout The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
This was the U.S. Embassy's second event this week marking the 235th
Anniversary of the Independence of the United States. For the second year
Ambassador Avant hosted an official 4th of July event in Freeport Grand Bahama,
this time aboard the U.S. Navel Ship the USS VICKSBURG on the evening of June
30. The United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) co-hosted the event,
which included more than 200 of Grand Bahamas' top leaders and a special visit
by the 21st Commander of USNORTHCOM and NORAD, Admiral James A. Winnefeld and
his wife Mrs. Mary Winnefeld.
The United States Embassy would like to thank the following sponsors in
Nassau and Freeport that helped to make both events a success – Atlantis
Resort/Kerzner International, Baha Mar/Sheraton Resort, Bahamas Food Services,
Bahamas International Rentals Ltd., Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club,
Bradford Marine Bahamas Ltd., Bristol Wines & Spirits and Bacardi USA,
British Colonial Hilton Nassau, Burns House Group of Companies, Caribbean Bottling
Company (Bahamas) Ltd., Chevron Bahamas Ltd., Dartley Bank & Trust Ltd.,
Discovery Management Inc., Disney Worldwide Services, Esso Standard Oil S.A.
Ltd., Freeport Aggregates Ltd., Greyco Ltd., J.M. Family Enterprises, Inc.,
J.P. Morgan Trust Company (Bahamas) Ltd., Kentucky Fried Chicken, Lowe’s
(USA), MSC Bahamas Ltd., Odyssey Aviation, Radisson Our Lucaya, Grand Bahama,
Bahamas, Phil’s Food Services, PriceWaterHouseCoopers, Starbucks,
Seaboard Marine Bahamas Ltd., Sweet South Fine Cakes, Texaco Bahamas Ltd. and
Treasure Bay Casino.
Governor General of The Bahamas His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes, U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas Nicole A. Avant and Mr. Sarandos participate in the official toast at the U.S. Independence Celebration. (Photo: Derek Smith)
|
Fireworks at the official U.S. Independence Celebration at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence, Liberty Overlook. (Photo: Derek Smith)
|
Mrs. Munroe, Mrs. Turnquest, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest, Mr. Theodore Sarandos, U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas Nicole A. Avant, Governor General of The Bahamas His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes, Lady Foulkes and Dr. Myles Munroe, Sr. Pastor, Bahamas Faith Ministries. (Photo: Derek Smith)
|
In Freeport on June 30, U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas Nicole A. Avant presents the U.S. and Bahamian flags to Minister of Housing The Hon. Kenneth Russell as Admiral James A Winnefeld Jr. looks on. The flag presentation serves as a symbol of the bilateral friendship between the United States of America and The Bahamas. (Photo: Derek Smith)
|
© Copyright 2011 by thebahamasweekly.com -