4th of July Celebrations – Expat Style.

In America the United States Independence is such a big holiday that perhaps you may wonder how do American expatriates, who cannot go home, celebrate it? You will find that Americans around the world make this a very important holiday—perhaps it may mean more to Expats than to you! Even in a place like Hanoi, Vietnam there is a fun filled Independence Day celebration. This is ironic if you consider that this celebratory party is taking place just a few blocks down the street from a once notorious prison that held our service men during the Vietnam War—called the Hanoi Hilton. Just a short distance down that same street is the present Hanoi Hilton that is called Hilton Opera.

This party has all the trimmings of a regular 4th of July party, and it is not just for Americans, but Vietnamese and many other nationalities—so long as they purchase a ticket. A huge outdoor picnic buffet, Hanoi style, with American favorites such as hotdogs, potato salad, Mexican food , BBQ pork, Ruben sandwiches, salads, ice cream and donuts are all provided.

Entertainment and games is also included along with a show by the Hanoi Circus, a variety of outdoor games, and even face painting activity. One of my favorite parts of the evening is the US Marine Guard’s marching the colors as the National Athem is played by the Marine Pacific Brass Quintet. This always brings an emotional response from the Americans in the crowd. The evening ends with jazz music being played by a Grammy nominated artist Andromeda Turre and a raffle with over 150 prizes being given out.

Sounds a bit like your local celebration? This event which is sponsored by the American Chamber of Commerce, strives to bring a bit of home to those Americans who are living in Hanoi.

Look below to see some photos from our celebration this year.

Photos of the crowd that attended.

 

The tickets included an large buffet and other treats such as KFC Chicken and donuts.

 

My friend Matthew Chao is showing his American pride!

 

This couple was spining around on those rollerskates!

There were flags and decorations everywhere.

 

As part of this cirus act, this man brought in two very large snakes. He was dancing with this snake around him. I am still trying to figure out how a half naked man with a snake is something American!

This little boy was very brave to allow this snake to be put around him! As you see I did not volunteer!

This was a watermelon eatting contest. A Korean man, not an American won!

 

Marine Corps Quintet is presently on tour and they came all the way from Hawaii to play for us.

Hanoi based US Marine Corps presenting the colors and flag.