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July 27, 2015
Colombia Celebrates 205 Years of Independence
On July 20, Colombians across the globe – from Bogotá to Washington, DC – gathered to celebrate Colombia’s205th Independence Day. Colombia isLatin America’s oldest and most stabledemocracy, and each IndependenceDay presents an opportunity torecognize and remember the country’scommitment to its continued strengthand progress. In Colombia, PresidentJuan Manuel Santos, together with FirstLady María Clemencia de Santos,celebrated with a full day of festivities,including a trip to the Capitol for theinstallation of the 2015 – 2016 legislativesession, and to greet members of theColombian Congress. President Santos alsoattended the Independence Day militaryparade.
In Washington, DC, the Embassy of Colombia, in partnership with the Colombian Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Consulate of Colombia in Washington, celebrated Independence Day with a reception at the OAS’s Hall of the Americas on July 26. In addition to traditional dancing and music, the event featured a performance by Colombian artist, Cabas.
Colombian artist Cabas performs at the Independence Day celebration at the Organization of American States.
Procession of the Colombian flag at the Independence Day celebration at the Organization of American States.
President Juan Manuel Santos, accompanied by First Lady María Clemencia de Santos, Cabinet ministers and senior military and police controls leads the traditional military parade on July 20.
Photo Credit: Juan David Tena
In a special Independence Day video address to Colombians living outside of Colombia, President Juan Manuel Santos discussed the nation’s work toward strengthening democracy and building a strong
economy, reminding Colombians abroad of the progress of the country has made. “I know you work or study abroad, but [have] always kept in [your] soul the joy of being Colombian… We will not forget [you] and our embassies and our consulates are here to serve you, to support you and to keep Colombia highly regarded in the world. “When you think of your land, when long for your food, your music, your customs, and especially family and friends,
remember that your country grows, your country moves and waits with open arms. “Happy Independence Day to all!”
Secretary Kerry Highlights U.S.-Colombia Partnership on Independence Day
On July 20, in honor of Colombia’s Independence Day, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry released a statement highlighting the country’s triumphs in strengthening democracy and security, and affirming the United States’s commitment as a partner in helping Colombia to achieve continued success. Secretary Kerry:
“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Colombia as you celebrate the 205th anniversary of your nation’s independence. “Last year I had a chance to visit your country and to affirm that the United States will stand with you as you strive to strengthen your democracy and to bring a just and lasting end to civil strife. We fully support your desire for a future in which Colombians can live in security and with opportunity for all, and will continue to work with you through such programs as the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Initiative, Our High Level Partnership Dialogue, and the U.S.-Colombia Action Plan for Racial and Ethnic Equality. “I also commend Colombia for its leadership both domestically and at the United Nations in promoting policies of social inclusion, and in opposing violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. “Colombians may be proud of the progress you have achieved in recent years, and may be assured that the United States will remain on your side as you seek to build on those gains. I wish you a peaceful and joyous National Day.”
President Santos addresses Colombians living around the world for Independence Day. Photo Credit: Presidency of
Colombia.
