Key facts
- The US Embassy in Brussels hosted an event celebrating the 250th anniversary of US independence.
- Nearly 10,000 guests, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, attended.
- US President Donald Trump sent a video message to the attendees.
- The event caused the closure of Brussels' Parc du Cinquantenaire from Saturday evening to Monday.
- Local residents and activist groups protested the park closure and the nature of the celebration.
- The event was funded by over 220 donors, including major American and Belgian companies.
The United States celebrated its 250th anniversary of independence in Brussels' Parc du Cinquantenaire on Sunday, June 28, 2026, with an event named "250 Years of Independence: Building Our Future Together." The invitation-only celebration drew nearly 10,000 guests, including diplomats, military personnel, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. US President Donald Trump sent a video message, emphasizing shared history and the defense of common civilization.
The festivities included various American activities, performances, music, a ceremonial flyover, and concluded with a drone and fireworks display. US Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, opened the event and speeches were given by notable dignitaries.
However, the celebration was met with significant local protests. Residents expressed frustration over the weekend-long closure of the public park, Parc du Cinquantenaire, especially during an ongoing heatwave. Additionally, several organizations, including Greenpeace, Extinction Rebellion, and Indivisible Belgium, organized anti-US demonstrations outside the security perimeter. These groups criticized the event for promoting a political and corporate agenda, turning the anniversary into a money-making opportunity, and for the privatization of public space.
Ambassador White stated he was unaware of the specific motivations behind the protests but confirmed that the event was funded by over 220 donors, including American and Belgian companies like Meta, Microsoft, Nike, McDonald's, and prominent Belgian businesses.