US Embassy marks double celebration

By WANSOLWARA STAFF

To mark the 242nd anniversary of the United States of America, and celebrate founding principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the US Embassy in Suva hosted an early Independence Day celebration alongside the 50^th anniversary of the US Peace Corps in Fiji last night.

The double celebration included an elaborate display of fireworks as well as a photo exhibition of the Peace Corps in Fiji.

Chief guest Speaker of Parliament Dr Jiko Luveni, left, and US Embassy chargé d’affaires Michael Goldman cut the US Independence Day cake at the US Embassy in Suva last night. Picture: WANSOLWARA STAFF

US Embassy chargé d’affaires Michael Goldman said while the Independence Day celebration was a little early (usually celebrated on July 4), the event was also an opportunity to renew ties between Fiji and the US through the Peace Corps.

“Over the past 50 years, more than 2500 Peace Corps have served in Fiji. The first (group of Peace Corps) arrived in 1968 … and started a proud, long and meaningful history of friendship, co-operation and learning between the peoples of the United States of America and Fiji,” Mr Goldman said.

He said Peace Corps volunteers had served in a range of sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, trade, health and education.

Mr Goldman said there were 65 volunteers serving throughout Fiji, supporting youth development activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as well as the Ministry of Education.

“Young people, through service, can build friendships among nations, and in doing so, we can build peace.”

Since 1961, more than 200,000 Americans have served as Peace Corps volunteers in 139 countries around the world.

Senior government officials, the diplomatic corps, partners and friends of the embassy were part of the celebrations  in Suva.

An exhibition detailing the Peace Corps in Fiji since 1968. Picture: WANSOLWARA STAFF