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Press Release

America Celebrates its 232nd Independence Anniversary

  • Embassy to be closed

    • July 3, 2008

    Americans throughout the world will celebrate the 232nd Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on Friday, July 4th. America claimed its independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776.

    The U.S. Embassy, including USAID, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Peace Corps offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2008 in commemoration of the Independence Day.

    In marking the celebrations this year, President George W. Bush said, “More than two centuries ago, bold and courageous visionaries pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor in signing the Declaration of Independence. Guided by ancient and eternal truths, our forefathers proclaimed to the world that liberty was the natural right of all mankind and in doing so began one of the greatest chapters in human history. On the Fourth of July, our country commemorates the great achievements of these heroes and reaffirms its unwavering confidence in the power of freedom.

    “It was the desire for freedom that inspired our Founding Fathers, and it is the belief in the universality of freedom that guides our Nation. On this occasion, we pay special tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces, both past and present, who have answered freedom's call and defended the values that make America the greatest country on earth,” said President Bush. All offices will reopen on Monday, July 7, 2008. In Tanzania July 7th is a public holiday but the U.S. Mission will be operating as usual.