U.S. Mission Burma celebrates ‘Freedom 250’ with Yangon event highlighting enduring people-to-people ties

The U.S. Embassy in Yangon celebrated the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America on 30 June with an American County Fair-themed Independence Day event highlighting the enduring people-to-people ties between the United States and Burma. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim (CDA a.i.) Douglas Sonnek welcomed guests from across Burma, including representatives from civil society, business, education, and other partner communities. In his remarks, CDA Sonnek highlighted the enduring people-to-people relationship between the United States and Burma, emphasizing that the strongest ties between the two countries have always been built through education, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and community partnerships. “The strongest part of the U.S.-Burma relationship has always been the connection between our people,” said CDA a.i. Sonnek. “Through Fulbright, Humphrey, IVLP, and many other exchange programs, we continue to build lasting people-to-people ties between our countries.” “The people of this country have shown remarkable courage and resilience in the face of ongoing hardship,” said CDA a.i. Sonnek. “The United States stands firmly with them in their pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future.” The CDA a.i. highlighted the Embassy’s Freedom 250 initiatives over the past year, including the reopening of the Jefferson Center Mandalay; expanded English-language, entrepreneurship, and digital skills programs at the American Center Yangon, the Freedom 250 Democracy Lab, and the Freedom 250 American Excellence Series, which showcased iconic American companies and the spirit of innovation that has shaped the United States for 250 years. He also recognized the contributions of U.S. exchange alumni and reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to strengthening educational, commercial, and people-to-people partnerships across Burma. The 250th anniversary of the United States, or the Semiquincentennial, will take place on July 4, 2026. This milestone marks exactly 250 years since the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.