Today marks the 236th anniversary of the signing in Philadelphia of the Declaration of Independence by leaders of the American Colonies. More than five years of war ensued as Americans battled attempts by the Crown to reassert its primacy over the will of the people. The date marks an extraordinary exercise of self-determination and the birth of the United States.

John Trumbull’s iconic painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Each year we celebrate our Independence with parades, festivals, picnics, concerts, and fireworks across the nation. Please join us this year for a special Fourth of July commemoration on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building featuring music, dancing, fireworks, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympics teams, and a tribute to American servicemen and women, streamed live to Embassy Wellington’s video page THIS THURSDAY at 12:00 noon, New Zealand time.

Closer to home, there will be a free concert TONIGHT at 7:00 pm at Wellington’s Cathedral of St. Paul (at the corner of Molesworth and Hill Streets) in honor of the holiday, presented by the acclaimed California Youth Symphony. Based in Palo Alto, the group is California’s oldest and one of America’s best youth orchestras. Come on by for some mellifluous after-dinner entertainment.

Until then, I’ll whet your appetite with photos of one of my favorite Fourth of July traditions. If you are a geography whiz or just a lucky guesser, see if you can identify the locations pictured in the 18 photos below. Send me a note with your determinations if you think you know all or most of them, and I’ll acknowledge the top geo-masters in a future post. Here goes: 

Happy Independence Day.

As I previewed at the end of my prior post, we had another wonderful Independence Day reception yesterday evening to commemorate both the 236th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence and the 70th anniversary of the arrival of U.S. servicemen and women in New Zealand after the outbreak of World War II in the Pacific. This time we celebrated at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum in the Wigram district of Christchurch.

The Marine Band played. I discreetly entered the hall in a vintage American jeep. We sang the national anthems and acknowledged the World War II veterans among us. Mayor Bob Parker and I offered remarks on the warm and vibrant state of relations between the people of New Zealand and America. And more than 200 guests enjoyed an evening of fine wine, good food, great conversation, and swing dancing.

The grand hall at the Royal NZ Air Force Museum as the reception just starts.

The Marine Band swing unit entertains our guests.

We decorated the hall with photos of American servicemen in NZ in the 1940s.

Present-day Marines talking with WWII Marine Harry Oliver, now living in Christchurch.

Riding into the hall and to the podium in a vintage American jeep.

The singing of the Star-Spangled Banner.

During the singing of God Defend New Zealand.

Minister Gerry Brownlee (center) and other guests listen as I address the crowd.

Mayor Bob Parker offers remarks on behalf of the People of Christchurch.

The Mayor and I are joined by World War II vets (left to right) Dr Alan Roberts (NZ), Harry Oliver (USMC), and Claude Bohn (USMC) for the toasts.

University students enjoying the reception.

Two Marines charm a guest.

A photo of American servicemen enjoying a night at Majestic Cabaret in 1942 Wellington.

Like our prior two Independence Day receptions this year in Wellington and Auckland, it was a wonderful night of spirited conversation, warm memories of prior service and sacrifice, and forward-looking appreciation of the dynamic, warm, impactful, expanding partnership between our people and our countries. I wasn’t at all surprised. Family gatherings are always special occasions.