From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
U.S. Embassy and USNORTHCOM Celebrate the 235th Anniversary of Independence in Freeport Aboard The USS VICKSBURG
By US Embassy
Jul 1, 2011 - 2:19:02 PM
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.
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Grand Bahama Island -
On Thursday, June 30 the United States Embassy observed the 235th
Anniversary of Independence of the United States of America by
co-hosting a grand celebration in Freeport, Grand Bahama under the
theme, “Celebrating the United States’ Great Military Traditions”. The
event was held in partnership with the United States Northern Command
(USNORTHCOM) aboard the U.S. Naval Ship USS VICKSBURG at the Lucayan
Harbour.
U.S.
Ambassador Nicole A. Avant, the Minister for Housing, and Member of
Parliament for High Rock, The Honorable A. Kenneth Russell, Admiral
James A. Winnefeld Jr. Commander USNORTHCOM and Captain Timothy Mahan,
Commanding Officer of the USS VICKSBURG (CG-69) provided remarks at the
event.
The
USS Vicksburg has a rich history dating back to October 1775. Since
then the U.S. Navy has grown into the largest naval fleet in the world.
Ambassador Avant used the opportunity to highlight the role of the USS
VICKSBURG and its crew of men and women who dutifully represent the U.S.
Navy and protect the freedom of all Americans. The Ambassador
referenced U.S. President Barack Obama who praised the U.S. Armed Forces
for their patriotism, valor and honor to country.
“It
is not without sacrifice that we are able to maintain our liberties and
words cannot describe America’s gratitude to your service,” Ambassador
Avant told the guests.
Minister of Housing The Hon. Kenneth Russell and Mrs. Russell, Mr. Theodore Sarandos, U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas Nicole A. Avant, USNORTHCOM Admiral James A. Winnefeld Jr., and Mrs. Winnefeld participate in the official cake cutting ceremony at the 4th of July Celebration on board the USS VICKSBURG.
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The
Ambassador also noted that the celebration is a testament to the
longevity of the U.S.-Bahamas friendship which is based upon shared
democratic values. In his remarks, Minister Russell reiterated the
spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that The Bahamas and the United
States enjoy both as friends and neighbours.
Later
that evening, a moment of silence was observed to remember members of
the U.S. Armed Forces who lost their lives in the line of duty. That was
followed by the official toasts to both countries and the official
ceremonial cake cutting. Popular local Bahamian Jazz Band, Shelley
Carey and Tru Music provided the musical entertainment throughout the
evening.
Earlier
that day, Admiral James Winnefeld Jr., and U.S. Ambassador Nicole Avant
visited the Grand Bahama Children’s Home. At that time Admiral
Winnefeld presented a donation to the home of behalf of USNORTHCOM that
included bedding, footwear, clothing and art supplies for their summer
enrichment program. The children also enjoyed patriotic treats, food and
a bouncy castle provided by the U.S. Embassy.
Mrs. Jean Hivert, Treasurer, G.B. Children’s Home, (GBCH), Mrs. Mary Winnefeld, Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr., USNORTHCOM, U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas Nicole A. Avant with her husband, Mr. Theodore Sarandos, Mrs. Geneva Rutherford and Mrs. Sheila Johnson-Smith, Executive Committee Members, GBCH display some of the donated goods from USNORTHCOM.
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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.
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