Compiled by Parker Lamothe, Communications Associate, Global Ties U.S.
Editor’s Note: This summer, Global Ties Network member organizations helped commemorate America’s 250th anniversary by connecting international professionals with communities across the United States through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Freedom 250 Initiative. From coast to coast, international visitors joined Americans in celebrating the nation’s founding while building strategic relationships for our country. Read the snapshots below to learn how six Community-Based Member organizations (CBMs) welcomed IVLP participants into their communities to mark the Fourth of July and 250 years of American excellence.
Nebraska
Snapshot by Crystal Bock Thiessen, Global Ties Nebraska
Photos by Crystal Bock Thiessen, Global Ties Nebraska and Renee Sobotka, True North Technologies
As part of the IVLP Freedom 250 Initiative, professionals from Bangladesh, Belize, Hong Kong, Mexico, the Philippines, and Ukraine celebrated the Fourth of July in Seward, Nebraska, the state’s official “Fourth of July City.” The participants were welcomed by local leaders, recognized at the mayor’s reception, and invited to ride in the Grand Parade. This was an exciting activity with each international visitor waving to 40,000 cheering attendees along the multi-mile route. This honor was arranged by Mr. Fourth of July, Clark Kolterman, a former state senator who has dedicated over 60 years to Seward’s Fourth of July celebration.
While in Nebraska, participants also joined the Cornhusker Council of Scouting America for a series of Scout-led team building and leadership initiatives, including knot tying, a blindfolded tent-building competition, a nature walk, and peach cobbler cooked over a campfire. At the close of the visit, each participant was awarded a commemorative America250 badge in recognition of their effort and enthusiasm throughout the afternoon.
Massachusetts
Snapshot by Mariana Chaves Ocampo, WorldBoston
WorldBoston welcomed professionals from Brazil, Estonia, India, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Uzbekistan as part of the IVLP Freedom 250 Initiative. The participants celebrated the Fourth of July in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where they joined local residents for the town’s parade, a philharmonic concert, and fireworks over Plymouth Harbor. The celebration offered a meaningful opportunity to experience American traditions through community connection, all made possible by international exchange. Many visitors described the celebration as a highlight of their visit and said they felt welcomed not only as guests but as part of the community.
New Mexico
Snapshot by Melora Palmer, Global Ties ABQ
Global Ties ABQ hosted professionals from the Bahamas, Egypt, Guatemala, India, and Poland in Albuquerque, New Mexico through the IVLP Freedom 250 Initiative. During their time in Albuquerque, local educators, journalists, and leaders met with the participants to discuss the role of youth leadership and civic engagement. Highlights included insightful discussions with New Mexico state legislators and civic leaders, whose perspective on youth leadership and public service resonated strongly with the group. The participants also attended the Albuquerque Freedom 250 music festival and fireworks, where they shared an evening picnic with Global Ties ABQ members, fostering meaningful cultural exchange and connections with the local community.
New Hampshire
Snapshot by Anise Jasman-Sayers, World Affairs Council of New Hampshire
The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire hosted two groups of professionals from 11 countries in New Hampshire as part of the IVLP Freedom 250 Initiative. For the Fourth of July holiday, participants enjoyed many American traditions, including a backyard barbecue, homemade ice cream, a spirited cornhole competition, and fireworks over the Atlantic Ocean. This visit underscored the importance of America’s enduring traditions and how the spirit of community can strengthen connections through international exchange.
Iowa
Snapshot by Brenda Gao, Global Ties Iowa
Photo by Peyton Pangburn, Global Ties Iowa
Global Ties Iowa welcomed professionals from Azerbaijan, Chile, Nigeria, North Macedonia, the Philippines, and Vietnam in Eastern Iowa as part of the IVLP Freedom 250 Initiative. Participants explored cutting-edge agricultural innovation, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and rural community life while also experiencing local America at 250 celebrations. The group attended North Liberty’s Fanfare & Flight event, featuring live music, local food vendors, and a commemorative drone light show. The visitors also traveled to Wellman, Iowa to decorate a Fourth of July parade float. During the Wellman Independence Day Parade, the participants waved to spectators and distributed freeze-pops to the crowd. The celebration concluded with the Iowa City Jazz Festival and dazzling fireworks over the Pentacrest, which is a historic four-block outdoor area at the center of the University of Iowa’s campus, including the first state capitol building.
Texas
Snapshot by Mahalet Kefyalew, World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth
Photos by Jena Mélançon, IVLP Liaison
The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth hosted professionals from all over the world as part of the IVLP Freedom 250 Initiative over the Fourth of July weekend. Alongside professional meetings, participants experienced Texas culture through Addison’s annual Fourth of July celebration, Kaboom Town! Celebration, and the Fort Worth Stockyard Championship Rodeo. Visitors reflected the hospitality, community pride, and welcoming spirit they encountered, noting the strong sense of community at local celebrations and the preservation of traditions such as rodeo and cowboy culture. As one participant noted, “I experienced a very strong “can-do” mentality as well as a culture that encourages people to take initiative, create new ideas, and turn opportunities into action.”