U.S. Embassy Ljubljana celebrated America’s 243rd Independence Day with more than 1,000 distinguished guests, including political and business leaders, academicians, artists, and representatives of the media, NGOs, youth, and entrepreneurial organizations. This year’s event was dedicated to commemorating the fifty-year anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission in July of 1969, and one of the United States’ most thrilling achievements: sending people to walk on the surface of the moon.
In his remarks, Mr. Gautam Rana former Chargé d’Affaires of U.S. Embassy highlighted the U.S.-Slovenian diplomatic relations and touched on the deep and strong relationship between two countries. During the event guests from the diplomatic, political, business and culture communities of Slovenia had the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of world-famous American food and other treats the country is known for.
“When the Apollo 11 astronauts left the surface of the moon in July of 1969, they left a piece of the lunar lander on the moon. Attached to that lander was a plaque that read, in part, ‘We came in peace, for all mankind.’ Today, as we celebrate the 243rd birthday of the United States of America, we choose to honor this sentiment of peace and understanding, and the spirit of Apollo 11. We choose to honor the curiosity, the dedication, and the view to a brighter future that this endeavor represents. And we’re proud to do so among our friends in Slovenia.” With these words, former Charge d’Affaires Gautam Rana welcomed guests to the U.S. Embassy’s annual Independence Day Celebration in Ljubljana.
Guests were also treated to the American blues rock band, the Jason Cale Band, which will be touring Slovenia from June 19-June 28, performing in Ljubljana, Trbovlje, Ravne na Koroškem, Maribor, and Tolmin.
Photos credit by Luka Dakskobler.