Embassy of the United States

Programs and Events 2009

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The Flag Ceremony (Photo: U.S. Embassy)

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The Flag Ceremony (Photo: U.S. Embassy)

U.S. Independence Day Celebration

On June 18, the annual Independence Day celebration was held at the U.S. Ambassador's residence. Estonia's President, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, attended the event, as well as over seven hundred key Embassy contacts.

A diverse crowd enjoyed musical entertainment from the Big Band of the Estonian Border Guard and Väikeste Lõõtspillide Ühing, sampled tasty food from a traditional American BBQ, and marveled at the classic American cars on display.

Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Karen Decker welcomed guests and mentioned in her remarks that “the 4^th of July is a celebration of freedom. America had to fight for ours. Estonia had to fight for hers. Today we are fighting together so that others can be free.” Chargé Decker, recognizing the sacrifice of Master Sergeant Allain Tikko, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 15^th, stressed that “his sacrifice – Estonia’s sacrifice, will not be forgotten.”

Chargé Decker then presented United States military awards to members of the Estonian Defense Forces who have served bravely in combat with American forces in Iraq.

President Obama's Fourth of July Message (PDF - 77.4 KB)