Independence Day Guide

Recent comments from some segments of the American community on our 4th of July representational event in Majuro indicate that we at the Embassy have not done an adequate job of explaining the purpose and limitations of United States Government sponsored Independence Day events here, and around the globe. This misunderstanding has arisen because in years past Embassy Majuro's Independence Day function has been open to all U.S. Citizens and their families.  While this, understandably, was a popular action within the American community, Department of State regulations have long forbidden that funds appropriated to diplomatic missions be used for entertaining American citizens abroad.  The Embassy’s effort to treat the Independence Day event like any other formal diplomatic function represents a closer adherence to long standing U.S. policy. 

At Embassies around the world the Independence Day event is a formal diplomatic event designed to thank members of the host government, the NGO community, business leaders, academics, and other community leaders for their help and cooperation throughout the year, as the Embassy pursues those objectives deemed in the interest of the United State Government.  Generally, American citizen invitations to this event are based on their positions in the community and activities related to US objectives in the host country. The administrative changes implemented by U.S. Embassy Majuro are designed to bring its Independence Day event in line with global State Department practice.

The US Embassy Majuro fully supports a celebration of our independence, whereupon American citizens can engage in activities normally associated with this holiday at home. The past two years we have offered the grounds of the Embassy for such a community funded and organized event. The involvement of the American Embassy in two Independence Day events is a common occurrence in many of our embassies throughout the world.

The Ambassador and staff at the U.S. Embassy Majuro regret any inconvenience caused by this administrative change. Please know that our actions were motivated by a desire to be responsible stewards of tax payer money and by guidelines controlling the use of public finds.

Ambassador Clyde Bishop