More than 8,800 invited guests turned up on Sunday at the Jubel Park in Brussels where US Ambassador, Bill White had organised a party to celebrate 250 years of American independence. As well as line dancing and baseball, guests were treated to corndogs, doughnuts and Texan ribs. Numerous speeches provided an opportunity to emphasise the strong ties between Belgium, Europe and the US, although a critical undertone was sometimes also noticeable.
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America celebrates 250 years of independence in Brussels (VIDEO)
It was clear from the moment the guests arrived that the celebration of 250 years of America in the Jubel Park enjoyed good security.
Police officers with dogs were stationed at all entrances to the cordoned-off park. Police vans blocked roads leading to the Merode intersection with a helicopter hovering overhead, and at the front, several police motorbikes neatly lined up. Private security guards had also been hired in.
Once inside, however, there is little sign of all this security. There are food stalls everywhere serving typical American dishes. Think of corndogs, Texan barbecue ribs and ‘mac and cheese’.
US Ambassador Bill White holds a brief press conference. He is “extremely enthusiastic about celebrating this wonderful event” in Belgium. He also gave some figures: more than 8,800 people will attend the celebrations, which cost over 5 million euros. Seven historic aircraft will also perform a fly-past during the air parade, including several Spitfires and C-130 Hercules aircraft.
When asked about the Extinction Rebellion protests on the other side of the Jubel Park, Ambassador White was not overly concerned. “I’m not quite sure what they’re protesting against, but I’d like to know. I encourage people to speak their minds: protest is welcome, as long as it’s done safely.”
Solidarity, despite differences of opinion
As well as ordinary citizens, White had also invited a number of prominent figures. The Belgian government is well represented including Prime Minister Bart De Wever, Defence Minister Theo Francken, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot and Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden. And then there are the many European and American politicians and dignitaries.
During their speeches, they all emphasise the importance of strong ties between the US, Europe and Belgium. “America does not see weak partners, but partners who are prepared to shoulder the responsibilities that freedom entails,” says the US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitacker.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte says America played a key role in the fight against fascism and communism, during the Second World War and the Cold War. “Today, we still stand shoulder to shoulder. Freedom is important; it is worth fighting for, so let us continue to move forward together in the future.”
Belgian Prime Minister De Wever, for his part, referred to the Americans’ contribution during both world wars. “The Americans made some of their greatest sacrifices on our soil. We will never forget that” he told the invited guests.
US President Donald J. Trump also made a brief appearance, albeit via a video message. “For generations, the American and Belgian people have cherished the values of freedom, democracy and self-government. Our servicemen and women gave their lives for those values during the world wars, and I am sure the Belgian people have never forgotten that.”
Fireworks, fireworks and yet more fireworks
The US ambassador certainly didn’t go home empty-handed. He received two gifts from Belgium. The first is a gold ring set with diamonds for Donald Trump, a gift from the Antwerp diamond industry. “A ring is more than just a piece of jewellery; it symbolises unity and trust, because true friendships are forged under pressure,” an industry spokesman said. The Prime Minister, for his part, presented a crystal vase as Belgium’s gift to the US.
The guests were treated to an air show, were able to sing along to the national anthem performed by Alexis Wilkins and danced during the Zac Brown Band’s performance. The evening had begun with a drone show, featuring the Statue of Liberty, the White House and an American eagle. And to round it all off, there were plenty of fireworks.
Donald Trump has promised that Washington DC will see one of the biggest fireworks displays in history on 4 July. It seems that Bill White wanted to test the US president’s promise for himself in Brussels!