Amb Michalak, CG Fairfax, and Mr. Sam, Director of the ERO Danang, toast at the US Independence Day Celebration

For the first time since Vietnam and the United States normalized relations, the U.S. Consulate General organized a July 4th celebration in Danang, central Vietnam. PAS coordinated the event, held July 9th at the Furama Resort near downtown Danang, that brought together over 250 Vietnamese and American guests. Ambassador Michael Michalak and Mr. Luong Minh Sam, director of Danang's External Relations Office, gave remarks testifying to the growing variety of ties linking central Vietnam and the U.S. Ambassador Michalak's remarks also reviewed highlights of Prime Minister's Nguyen Tan Dung's June visit to Washington. Consul General Ken Fairfax and other consulate staff welcomed guests that included representatives from businesses, universities, the media, non-governmental organizations, religious denominations, and students.