The U.S. Embassy in Indonesia celebrated the independence of the United States a month early to accommodate Ramadan, the Islamic holiday. Festivities to celebrate the uniquely American holiday were moved to June 4. These festivities usually occur on July 4 due to the fact that the United States gained independence from Great Britain on that day way back in 1776.
On #TheKellyFile @megynkelly @ 9:30p, I report on the @StateDept @usembassyjkt holding its July 4th event on June 4th, because of Ramadan.
— James Rosen (@JamesRosenFNC) June 11, 2015More from The Jakarta Post (bolding is mine):
The United States Embassy enjoyed its annual 4th of July celebration on Thursday, June 4, one month early, in order to respect the upcoming Ramadhan month, which will begin on June 17 and last for one month.
US Ambassador to Indonesia Robert O. Blake and US Ambassador to ASEAN Nina Hachigian presided over the festivities, which involved brass band renditions of the Star-Spangled Banner and the Indonesian national anthem, Indonesia Raya.
Blake explained that the theme of the event leaned toward “green” development, which supported the US’ focus on building and promoting a green economy and more environmentally sustainable development.
He also praised Indonesia’s performance as a fully functioning democracy, aiming for further collaboration between the two countries in the years to come.
“The US will continue to support Indonesia in the future through its democratic achievements. Democracy is an American value which we have championed since [the country’s birth in] 1776,” Blake told the crowd during the festivities at his residence near Taman Suropati, Central Jakarta, on Thursday.
He added that moving the 4th of July celebrations to June 4 was one done out of respect for the upcoming Ramadhan month, which will last from June 17 to July 17.
Somehow I doubt the U.S. Embassy would ever delay any kind of celebration to accommodate a Christian or Jewish holiday. Further, the only "theme" that should be celebrated on Independence Day (or in this case, June 4) is American exceptionalism, not some absurd and progressive green agenda.
The upside is that the date seems to have been moved so Indonesian Muslims can participate in the celebration of America's birth. That being said, as noted in the report above, Ramadan fasting ends at sunset and festivities on Independence Day could have been scheduled after that. Not to mention that fireworks have the be scheduled after sunset for obvious reasons.
The pandering to Islam in order to avoid offending the religion continues.
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