Members of the East Greenwich, Rhode Island, Kentish Guards perform during the Bristol, Rhode Island, Independence Day parade. It is the oldest Fourth of July parade in the country, and these fife players are wearing period costumes that recall Rhode Island’s status as one of the original 13 states of the Revolutionary War era.

The Fourth of July: Celebrating U.S. Independence Day

July 4th has been recognized as Independence Day in the United States ever since the country’s Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. To mark the occasion, Americans celebrate with parades, fireworks, concerts and other festive activities. America.gov invites readers to join in as the nation observes a patriotic and fun-filled holiday.

- Transcript: Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton – 4th of July Video.

- Independence Day Photo gallery.

- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 4th of July Video 

Ambassador  Philip T. Reeker

Modern-day Slavery Requires Concerted International Effort

Op-ed by Ambassador Philip T. Reeker

June 20, 2009

“Viola, a young Albanian, was 13 when she started dating 21-year-old Dilin, who proposed to marry her. They moved to Italy where Dilin said he had cousins who could get him a job. Arriving in Italy, Viola's life changed forever. Dilin locked her in a hotel room and left her, never to be seen again. A group of men entered and began to beat Viola. Then, each raped her. The leader informed Viola that Dilin had sold her and that she had to obey him or she would be killed. For seven days Viola was beaten and repeatedly raped. Viola was sold a second time to someone who beat her head so badly she was unable to see for two days. She was told if she didn't work as a prostitute, her mother and sister in Albania would be raped and killed. Viola was forced to submit to prostitution until police raided the brothel in which she was held. She was deported to Albania.”...full text.

Simon Trpceski and Ilyich Rivas engaging with kids (LP) - Sequence (WMV/size 5.88 MB)

Spreading Music and Smiles

June 25, 2009

World renowned Macedonian pianist Simon Trpceski joined Venezuelan-American conductor Ilyich Rivas in a visit to 11 October Orphanage.  The kids enjoyed hearing about how both musicians first became interested in classical music and learning that both were also big soccer fans.  They also learned how orchestras function and saw demonstrations of how the violin and trombone are played.  Ilyich will direct KulturOp's Youth Orchestra in a concert on June 29 that is being sponsored in part by the United States Embassy.  He is one of the youngest conductors in the world and came to Macedonia on the invitation of Simon Trpceski.

◊ To see a short video sequence of this event (WMV/size 5.88 MB), please click here.

 

 

2009 Trafficking in Persons Report Released

June 16, 2009

Secretary Clinton: "The ninth annual Trafficking in Persons Report sheds light on the faces of modern-day slavery and on new facets of this global problem. The human trafficking phenomenon affects virtually every country, including the United States. In acknowledging America’s own struggle with modern-day slavery and slavery-related practices, we offer partnership. We call on every government to join us in working to build consensus and leverage resources to eliminate all forms of human trafficking." Report / Remarks at Release of the Ninth Annual Trafficking in Persons Report Alongside Leaders in Congress.

- Republic of Macedonia: 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report...full text.

 

 

 

Ambassador  Philip T. Reeker

The First World Conference for the United Macedonian Diaspora

June 13, 2009

Ambassador Reeker traveled to Washington to attend the first worldwide conference organized by the United Macedonian Diaspora.  In speaking with the group, he outlined the challenges that lie ahead and the joint successes the United States and Macedonia have shared.  To see his remarks at the Gala Dinner, please click here. To see his remarks at a working lunch, please click here.  To see his interview with Voice of America, please click here.

                                                

Ambassador Reeker (LP)

Ambassador Reeker speaks with On-line magazine Veles News

June 15, 2009

Ambassador Reeker: "Well I think democracy, is a constantly evolving process and our country after 233 years, since our independence; we continue to evolve, discuss and debate, so democracy has to be something that is constantly tended, you have to practice democracy.  I think one of the strengths or perhaps the greatest strength this country has is its diversity and that of course has been the greatest strength of the United States as well."...more. 

 

 

Ambassador Reeker talks to Dnevnik Foreign Affairs Editor Hristo Ivanovski. LP

Ambassador Reeker Discusses with Dnevnik His Upcoming Trip to Washington, the Name Issue, and other Relevant Topics

June 8, 2009

Ambassador Reeker: “I will go Tuesday to Washington and have lot of meetings there.  I will participate at the United Macedonian Diaspora Conference, which is, they told me, the first such event. I think it is a global event and they want to make it an annual event, so I’m pleased to be a part of that.“ …full text.

 

Ambassador Reeker addresses the SEEU graduates. (LP)

Recognizing Tomorrow’s Leaders

June 6, 2009

On Saturday, June 6, Ambassador Reeker spoke to the graduates of South East European University at their commencement ceremony.  He congratulated them for completing their undergraduate studies and challenged them to make a difference in the world.
 
◊ To see the text of his speech, please click here.
◊ To see Ambassador Reeker’s comments to the media at the event, please click here.

Jordanian participants try out the climbing wall at Hollywood Elementary School in Maryland.

The Fulbright Program competition for academic year 2010-2011 is now open

-  2010-2011 Application for the Fulbright Scholar program (post-doctoral) in the United States (NON-DEGREE). …more.

Deadline: November 15, 2009.

The first day of work at the new embassy. (LP).

Our New Location

April 27, 2009