US Independence Day ceremony held again in Mandalay, Jefferson Center also reopened

The U.S. Mission to Myanmar held a U.S. Independence Day celebration in Mandalay on the evening of July 8, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, marking the first official U.S. Independence Day celebration in Mandalay since 2015, according to a statement. The celebration honors the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, recognizes the resilience of Mandalay residents as they rebuild following the 2025 earthquake, and reaffirms the United States’ long-term presence in upper Myanmar and its commitment to the people of Myanmar. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Douglas Sonnek welcomed representatives from civil society organizations, businesses, the education sector, and partner organizations, stating that the reopening of the Jefferson Center Mandalay is a symbol of the enduring partnership between the United States and the people of upper Myanmar. “The Jefferson Center is more than a building. It is a place that fosters learning, creativity, and collaboration, and a place where young people can develop their skills,” said Douglas Sonnek. The Jefferson Center Mandalay continues to expand its English language teaching, digital education, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange programs, creating new opportunities, strengthening communities, and deepening people-to-people ties between Americans and Myanmar people, the statement said. “One lesson from America’s first 250 years is that rebuilding is possible. Communities can become stronger, businesses can expand, opportunities can become more abundant, and the next generation can build upon the successes of previous generations,” said Douglas Sonnek. U.S. companies such as Caterpillar, Ford, and Harley-Davidson also participated in the celebration, reflecting open and mutually beneficial economic cooperation between the United States and Myanmar, the U.S. Mission said. In addition, the activities of U.S. partner organizations engaged in humanitarian assistance in upper Myanmar in collaboration with local organizations following the 2025 earthquake were recognized. The statement said that the United States will continue to partner with the people of Myanmar as a trusted, long-term partner through education, humanitarian assistance, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.