The official ceremony held at the U.S. Consulate General Naples for the anniversary of the Independence Day
Naples, June 26 2019
This year’s Independence Day held special significance, as it was a moment for Consul General Mary Ellen Countryman to reflect on her past three years in Naples, one of the oldest diplomatic posts in the world, founded in 1796 in, what was at the time, the Kingdom of Naples.
“I am grateful to you all for your support, friendship, and three beautiful impactful years. My time here in Naples has been enriched by continuous discoveries and engaging welcoming people. I have had the opportunity, these past three years, to see the beauty of this land, but also the potential and the commitment to a continuous improvement of the community and the territory. I will remember fondly the people of Naples’ great culture and incredible humanity,” she concluded. The Mayor of Naples, Luigi De Magistris, appreciated the Consul General’s kind words and donated the pennant of the city of Naples to the Consul as a symbol of the “sincere friendship between our two peoples and the excellent diplomatic relations dating back to before the unity of Italy”.
During the Italian Army Bersaglieri performance and the Consul Marine’s Presentation of the Colors, Consul General Countryman stood with the Rear Admiral Yancy B. Lindsey, Commander of the Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia/Commander, Maritime Air Forces, Naples, and Michael Murphy, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State.
As usual, American flags and red white and blue served as a backdrop to the party, while the Neapolitan group “I – Move Band” performed pop and swing music. Delicious food and refreshments were provided by local companies, which the Consul General recognized and thanked with plaques from the Consulate including, Coca-Cola HBC Italia, Birra Peroni Srl , HAM Srl, Pizza Napoletana Verace Association – AVPN, Ferrarelle SpA, Renaissance Naples Hotel Mediterraneo, Dunham & Smith Agencies, Consorzio di Tutela della Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, Confetti D’Alessandro Srl, Culligan Italiana SpA, Interbrau SpA, Pasticceria Poppella.
Similar to Independence Day celebrations in the United States, the fireworks over the water marked the end to the festivities.
