Luxembourg Embassy in Washington DC Hosts Elegant National Day Celebration

Her Excellency Sylvie Lucas, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Washington DC (USA), hosted an elegant Luxembourg National Day celebration on Friday 22 June 2018 at the Luxembourg Embassy in Washington DC.

A large gathering of diplomats from the Benelux countries, African countries including Togo and Rwanda, and other parts of the world joined in this special event. Representatives of the U.S. State Department, a retired U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg as well as other governmental agencies also joined the celebration. The guests also included some who had family connections with Luxembourg.

Upon arrival, guests saw a presentation about Luxembourg on a giant screen in the grand entrance of the building. Inspiring message such as “Luxembourg – Let’s make it happen” informed the visitors about the country, the natural beauty and the opportunities to explore and thrive.

H.E. Ambassador Lucas extended the warmth that has become so familiar to the friends of Luxembourg in Washington. In her remarks, she mentioned the historic ties – lasting over 115 year - between U.S. and Luxembourg. She also discussed the importance of free trade and the benefits - such as employment of millions and the GDP growth – of free trade without toxic tariffs. Discussing the importance of human rights, H.E. Ambassador Lucas lamented the U.S. decision to leave the U.N. body on human rights.

Talking about the ties that bind, Ambassador Lucas mentioned that around 400 people from the United States gained Luxembourg citizenship based on their heritage. She mentioned about a continued interest of people with familial ties to obtain Luxembourg citizenship.

Ambassador Lucas invited the guest to sing the national anthems of both the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the United States, the embassy providing printed copies with English translation of ‘Ons Heemecht’. The handout also educated the guests about the Luxembourg National Anthem, which was first performed in public in 1864 and which consists of the first and last verses of the song by poet Michel Lentz. “It expresses the country’s great joy at having achieved independence in 1839 and issues a vibrant appeal for peace and freedom.”

The strategic location of the Embassy, which is at a key intersection along the embassy row in Washington DC, makes it an attractive place to visit. Returning guests continue to admire the architectural beauty, just as much as the warm welcome from the staff supporting Ambassador Lucas. Each guest feels as if they are being treated liked a family member by the staff - an invitation to this event is valued with anticipation by appreciating guests.

The National Day celebration on 22 June 2018 proved that a tiny country like Luxembourg continues to punch above its weight.