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The Fourth of July at an American embassy: a thread.
A lot of Americans may not be aware that for some folks, the 4th of July is not all shorts & hot dogs & firecrackers. For people posted abroad at an American embassy, the 4th of July is serious *work*
In many countries, the 4th is considered the social event of the year among the diplomatic corps. The embassy begins planning the event weeks if not months in advance. Guest lists are debated internally, and only the embassy's most important contacts get an invite.
Few people turn down an invitation. These contacts are frequently the most high-profile politicians and businessmen/women in the country, people that appear on the front pages of every paper. Sometimes famous people show up, too.
Special food is brought in, sometimes all the way from the United States. Most of the time it's chosen to symbolize certain key cultural points of the US. Bands are hired to play American music. The event is often held at the Ambassador's residence, and setup starts days ahead.
The Americans at the party are expected to dress in business attire, and they are *not* there to have fun. They are there to greet the embassy's government contacts, and make sure to press the embassy's most important initiatives (diplomatically, of course).
Sometimes, if a guest gets sufficiently liquored up, they might let a secret or two slip...
There is often a color guard, let by Marine security guards, that brings in the flag. The Ambassador usually gets up and gives a speech about the close ties between the US and the host country, as well as our country's founding principles and what the day means to him/her.
The fact that it's "work" doesn't always detract from the Americans' enjoyment of the event, but it is a decidedly different experience from what most Americans have on the day.
I remember on my first tour overseas, I got off a trans-Atlantic flight and was taken to my apartment to drop off my bags and change clothes, and then went *straight* to the 4th of July reception.
The locals were asking, "how long have you been in Country X?" and I looked at my watch and said, "About five hours." 
I was completely exhausted afterwards. But it was very memorable. 
I was completely exhausted afterwards. But it was very memorable.
This year will be different in many if not most places, of course. I expect many celebrations will be virtual if they're not canceled altogether, which is a shame. I hope that all those posted overseas at embassies can enjoy the day like their friends & family back home.
Thank you all for your service. /FIN/
