USCENTCOM AOR -- To celebrate 249 years of U.S. independence, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh hosted a celebration on April 22 under the theme "America the Beautiful." Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Mission to the Kingdom, Alison Dilworth, welcomed hundreds of high-profile guests, including government officials, business leaders, academics, and cultural figures, in an evening that embodied the depth of the strong friendship between the United States and the Kingdom.
In her speech during the ceremony, Chargé d'Affaires Dilworth stressed the importance of the occasion, praising the beauty of nature in both countries, common interests, and the growing bonds of friendship between the peoples of the two countries. "I am honored to welcome you all tonight to the Embassy to celebrate America's 249th birthday. Although Independence Day is officially celebrated on the Fourth of July, here in Riyadh we gather in the spring to enjoy beautiful evenings like this and celebrate the beauty of which our countries are proud."
Based on her experiences across the Kingdom, Dilworth expressed her admiration for the diverse nature of Saudi Arabia and the hospitality of the Saudi people. "From the turquoise waters of the Red Sea to the Taif roses and the green mountains of Abha, the beauty of the Kingdom is unforgettable – and what makes these places truly special is the generosity of the Saudi people," she said.
She also noted the deep cultural and personal ties between the two countries: "I often meet Saudis who lovingly recall their time in the United States — from hiking in Yellowstone National Park to surfing in California, and enjoying the beauty of the Chicago skyline. These experiences are proof of the strength of the bonds between our peoples."
The evening also celebrated the growing areas of cooperation between the United States and the Kingdom, including trade, energy, innovation, artificial intelligence, entertainment, and space. "Together, we are building a future of shared prosperity. I expect to soon see more brave and talented American and Saudi astronauts looking at 'beautiful America from outer space.'"
The ceremony included designs inspired by famous American landscapes as well as food, melodies and performances that highlight the diversity of American culture and the depth of shared ambitions between the United States and the Kingdom. The celebration served as a reminder of the long-standing friendship between the two countries and their shared vision for a prosperous future.