22/06/2006 10:08:41 am
From Independence Day To Midsummer. Yesterday, I participated in the celebration of the 230th Independence Day of America at the American Embassy in Stockholm. This date was chosen because most Swedes probably are on holiday on the 4th of July. What a celebration it was! Flags, hamburgers, Budweiser, National Anthem, lots of people and a country/rock band. It has been said often before, but at times like that it is evident why Americans have such a strong feeling for their country. It is more than a country, it is a set of values; freedom, opportunity, optimism. The new Ambassador, Michael Wood, gave a nice speech. He is a life-long friend of George W Bush and seemed to me a nice, open-minded and straightforward person. From this the most important day in America I will - like most everyone else - go away to celebrate the real Swedish National Day, Midsummer. A totally different, but equally special, kind of arrangement. Have a Happy Midsummer!