July 4th, 2018 in Darwin, Australia.
Franz Kratschmer
Retired at United Nations, Foreign Policy Adviser, Author, Korean Peninsula analyst.
On this very special day in 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. Although voted on July 2nd from then on the 4th was celebrated as the birth of American independence. We all know that celebrations are being held on annual basis worldwide by the U.S. community, associations, military and civilian authorities.
Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory of Australia was not different in 2017 and the years before. Usually those events are arranged for at local level and by the American-Australian Association. Australia is a staunch military ally of the U.S. and signatory to the ANZUS security treaty (Australia-New Zealand-U.S.). The Northern Territory is temporary home of 1,500 U.S. Marines, howitzers and Osprey aircraft. Reasons to celebrate!
Prior to July 4th, I tried to find information in the media and at political level with regard to any forthcoming Independence Day celebrations in Darwin. Negative. What was happening? In 2017, this event took place in the NT Library in Parliament House, Darwin.