On June 13, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Jeffry Flake and Mrs. Cheryl Flake, and Consul General Julie Eadeh and Mr. David Ng, hosted a celebration of American Independence Day at the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul. More than 1,000 guests attended, including business leaders, diplomatic and military representatives, clergy, members of the press, and respected names in academia and civil society. İstanbul Vice Governor Özlem Bozkurt Gevrek joined as the official representative of the Government of Türkiye.
In his remarks, Ambassador Flake acknowledged the devastating earthquakes of February 2023 and said, “These trying times have also brought out the best in Türkiye. The spirit, resilience, and strength of the Turkish people have been self-evident. These qualities resonate in America. I am in awe of how Americans, from coast to coast, stepped forward to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Turkish people. This is the American spirit that we honor today, in celebration of our Independence Day.
America has been blessed to have Türkiye as a partner for the last 100 years, and we are looking forward to many more.”
CG Eadeh said: “Each year in countries around the world, we come together to celebrate the birth of America and to remember the ideals that inspired its founding: freedom, equality, and democracy. Tonight, as we reflect on the values that inspired American independence 247 years ago, and on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, let us celebrate the strength of our two democracies.”
The Consulate’s event included a formal Presentation of the Colors by the Marine Security Detachment, singing of the American and Turkish national anthems, remarks by Ambassador Flake and Consul General Eadeh, and a musical performance by the Ankara-based band “Watch Out!”
July 4, 2023, will be the 247th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and is celebrated annually as a federal holiday in the United States.
