THE grounds of the United States (US) Embassy in St Andrew came alive on Wednesday evening as representatives of all segments of the Jamaican society partied with representatives of its key international ally for that country’s big birthday bash.

Public affairs attaché at the US Embassy in Kingston Michael Lavallee (left) shares lens time with Minister of Education Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon (centre) and Shorna-Kay Richards, former Jamaica ambassador to Japan. Garfield Robinson

The US will celebrate its 250th anniversary on July 4, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but the party was held early in Jamaica as music, food and drinks were well received by the attendees during an evening of camaraderie.

Members of the 257th Army Band District Of Columbia National Guard were also in attendance. Garfield Robinson

Chargé d’ affaires at the US Embassy in Kingston, Scott Renner said the story of America as a world power is one that demonstrates that dreams do not become reality by way of magic.

“It takes sweat, determination, hard work. America is often defined by its achievements. The nation that brought the telephone and modern space flight also brought you Mickey Mouse and achievements in animation, helped trigger the Internet age and it’s advancing frontiers in artificial intelligence,” said Renner, who had the undivided attention of the attendees.

Members of the US Marine Corps display various flags at the birthday celebration. Garfield Robinson

In reference to the FIFA World Cup, now under way in North America, Renner said the US continues to inspire through it’s achievements.

Chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Kingston Scott Renner (left) enjoys a toast with Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett. Garfield Robinson

“We are seeing some of that this year as we, along with Mexico and Canada, co-host the World Cup. It’s going well. We’ve won two games and we are optimistic. For me, it really demonstrates how sports can bring people together,” said Renner of the tournament which, on Thursday, hit 3,605,357 spectators — surpassing the previous record of 3,587,538 fans set during the 1994 World Cup, also held in the United States.