The American Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 240^th Anniversary of the Independence Day of America with a classic American-style picnic and barbecue, a diverse group of guests, and a joyous atmosphere. Members of AmCham, representatives of the American community in Tirana, and other friends of AmCham came to celebrate with friends and family. AmCham President Mark Crawford and the U.S. Embassy Economic Officer Don Brown greeted all guests on behalf of AmCham and the U.S. Embassy in Albania.

The American communities around the world celebrate Independence Day with majesty wherever they are, and the celebration organized by AmCham in this important day of American history is intended to bring a piece of home closer to them. Mr. Brown, who was likely attending his last AmCham Albania event before moving on to his next post, thanked the Board and Staff of AmCham for the close collaboration during the time he has worked in Albania. He spoke about Independence Day as an occasion to talk with Albanian friends about America, about big ideas like freedom and democracy. And as Albanians contemplate the challenges that they face, Mr. Brown encouraged them to not be afraid of big ideas. “As we celebrate America’s past and our big ideas, I urge you also to hold strong to your own big ideas,” he said.

The ceremonial part of the event concluded with the cutting of the “birthday” cake by Ambassador Lu, DCM David Muniz, Economic Office Don Brown and the Board of AmCham.  The party continued in the usual manner, with music, food and drinks, and an enjoyable time catching up with old friends and making new ones.

This celebration was made possible for AmCham with the generous support of the official sponsors: the American Bank of Investments (Platinum Sponsor), SIGAL Uniqa Group Austria (Gold Sponsor), and Best Western – Nov Hotel, TCN, Microsoft, and Antea Cement (Silver Sponsors). In-kind sponsors also played a very important role in this celebration, as A.M.G. Food, Arseni shpk, Big Bite, Birra Korça, Birra Stela, Coca Cola, Conad Albania, Derby, Kantina e Pijeve Skënderbeu, and KFC provided various products that they offer in the Albanian market.

The celebration culminated in a spectacular fireworks show which was appreciated by the audience.