Embassy News and Events

U.S. Embassy Celebrates National Day

Ambassador Grappo at the National Day reception

On Saturday, April 7, the U.S. Embassy hosted over 500 guests at a reception celebrating U.S. Independence Day.  The event, held in the Embassy's garden, featured music provided by the Royal Oman Police Band.  Among the guests were senior Omani officials, leading members of the business, academic, and professional communities, and members of the diplomatic corps. 

In his remarks, Ambassador Gary A. Grappo noted that although the actual date of Independence Day is July 4, celebrating in April allowed the guests to enjoy a real American-style celebration.  Celebrating Independence Day, he said, "Americans come together for barbeques and parties outdoors, from lunches on the many beaches along the coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Gulf of Mexico to long evening gatherings in the mountains of the Appalachians, Rockies or Sierra Nevada, and from simple family gatherings in backyards of homes to some pretty spectacular celebrations at sporting and cultural events throughout the country.  No matter how or where it’s celebrated, though, you can always count on traditional American “comfort” food, great music, and a lot of fun."

The Ambassador praised longstanding U.S.-Omani diplomatic and economic ties, adding that such connections date back to the earliest period of American history and that they are only deepening and further improving today.  "We are working to find ways to help enhance these relationship," he said, "and to make sure that our efforts keep pace with the growth of overall U.S.-Omani bilateral ties.  We strive to identify shared values and common interests, in areas such as education, enablement of women, and helping build mutual understanding."

Text of the Ambassador’s Remarks