On June 7, Americans and Armenians celebrated the 235th anniversary of American independence and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

U.S. Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch and Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan delivered remarks at the celebration, which took place at the U.S. Embassy. Inga and Anush Arshakians opened the event by singing the U.S. National Anthem, and the Armenian State Jazz Band played American jazz music.

During the event, the U.S. Embassy in Armenia also marked the departure of Ambassador Yovanovitch, who will return to Washington D.C. to work as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for North and Central Europe at the Department of State. Ambassador Yovanovitch took the opportunity to congratulate Armenia on 20 years of independence and toasted the U.S.-Armenian friendship based on mutual support and respect for democracy, freedom, and peace, reported the press office of the U.S. embassy to Armenia.

Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.