U.S. Embassy Celebrates National Day
February 25, 2009

Muscat -- On February 24, the U.S. Embassy in Muscat commemorated the 233^rd anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America.  Hundreds of guests attended the reception, held on the front lawn of the Embassy.  Among those attending were leading Omani businesspeople, professionals, academics, and artists.  Representatives of the government of the Sultanate of Oman included H.E. Ahmad bin Sulaiman al Maimani, Undersecretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry; H.E. Salim bin Nassir al Maskary, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council; H.E. Muhammad bin Hafith al Thahab, Advisor, Ministry of Manpower; H.E. Ibrahim bin Humud al Subhi, Member of the State Council; H.E. Ibrahim bin Baqir al Ajmi, Member of the Majlis al Shura; and other officials.

The U.S. Embassy Marine Guard Detachment opened the formal portion of the event with the Color Guard Ceremony, at which the U.S. Marines presented the flags of the United States and the U.S. Marines Corp to Ambassador and Mrs. Gary A. Grappo for the playing of the Omani and American national anthems. 

Following the presentation of the colors, Ambassador Grappo addressed the guests in a speech honoring diversity in America and the 200^th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln.  "Abraham Lincoln is remembered by Americans for saving the nation from dissolution," Ambassador Grappo said in his remarks.  The Ambassador drew a parallel between President Lincoln and President Obama, saying that both men had to chart new courses in times of difficulty. 

The Ambassador also noted the symbolism of President Obama, America's first black President, entering office in the year of Lincoln's anniversary, calling it "proof of the profound changes that can occur when people of goodwill work towards a shared goal."  The Ambassador concluded his address by with a quote by President Obama about the importance of America's diversity.  "We know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness," the President said in his inauguration.  "We cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass…that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."

The entertainment for the National Day event was provided by FALCON, the U.S. Air Force Central Expeditionary Band, and Encore, the girls' choir ensemble of The American International School of Muscat.   FALCON performed American original rock and R&B music, joined by Encore for the singing of the American National Anthem and other songs.