SWRC Celebrates Independence Day Together!

“What is more American than watching the fireworks from the National Mall on the 4th of July?”  Mike Pirrera of Buca di Beppo, Washington D.C. Italian restaurant and IRC Business partner, planted the seed for this year’s 4th of July festivities already last summer, almost a whole year in advance.

The Suburban Washington Resettlement Center celebrated 2012’s Independence Day in a truly American fashion. SWRC staff led a group of 20+ “new Americans” to the National Mall to enjoy the Air Force band and the fireworks from perhaps the best seats in the house, directly next to the George Washington Monument. Pre-firework festivities resembled the makings of a miniature World Cup; a soccer ball covered in world flags and a pickup game, where the common language was laughter. Countries represented in the group were Iraq, Iran, Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, DRC, Turkey and a little bit of Italy, Scotland and Germany mixed in the blood somewhere!

Faluk, who arrived in the United States 2 weeks ago, captured the general atmosphere best when he said, “Three weeks ago I couldn’t believe I was coming to the United States. It is hard to believe I am here, celebrating with Americans at in the country’s capital. I feel like this is a dream.”

Photo taken by anonymous.

While this year’s trip was certainly deemed a success by all, ideas are already forming for next year.  So be sure to keep this in mind for your 4th of July in 2013. As Mike Pirrera proved, it is never too early to have an idea.