ROBERTA METSOLA MARKS 250 YEARS OF U.S. INDEPENDENCE AND HIGHLIGHTS STRONG TRANSATLANTIC COOPERATION WITH EUROPE

The U.S. Embassy in Belgium hosted an exclusive invitation-only celebration on Sunday, 28 June 2026, marking a historic milestone: 250 Years of Independence: Building Our Future Together.

The evening began with a vibrant outdoor festival showcasing American culture, featuring food, music, and interactive activities. Guests then moved into a formal diplomatic reception accompanied by a programme of live musical performances, including appearances by Alexis Wilkins and Live Band, Free Groove, and the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band & Chorus, alongside national anthems and a ceremonial flyover.

Among those who attended are senior international figures, including Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Supreme Allied Commander Europe at NATO’s SHAPE, General Alexus G. Grynkewich, and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. The event will also be co-hosted by EU Ambassador Andrew Puzder and USNATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker.

The evening’s programme continued with performances by the Aura Vocalis Gospel Choir, who will lead a symbolic “Happy 250th Birthday” tribute to the United States, followed by a performance from the Zac Brown Band and a grand finale featuring a drone and fireworks display.

The celebration highlighted the enduring transatlantic partnership between the United States and Europe, reflecting 250 years of shared history, cooperation, and resilience.

Speaking on the occasion, Roberta Metsola described the relationship as one that has “created history’s best of times and stood solid through the worst of times over the last 250 years,” adding: “Our way endures because it matters.”

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