The Closed Doors of the US Embassy in Canberra

The tradition of celebrating America's Independence Day with a gathering at the US embassy in Canberra has been disrupted, with no new ambassador appointed since Caroline Kennedy left the post last year. The embassy's doors were closed on July 4, marking the first time in recent history that the event was not held. The absence of an ambassador has left a void in diplomatic relations, with the US consulates in Perth and Melbourne attempting to fill the gap with smaller celebrations.

Key Takeaways:

• The US embassy in Canberra has not held an Independence Day celebration since Caroline Kennedy's departure last year, with no new ambassador appointed.
• The embassy's doors were closed on July 4, marking the first time in recent history that the event was not held.
• The US consulates in Perth and Melbourne held smaller celebrations, including Western and New Orleans-themed parties.
• The Australian-American Association organized a July 4 evening shindig at a Canberra club.
• The absence of an ambassador has left a void in diplomatic relations between the US and Australia.
• Caroline Kennedy was the last ambassador to Australia, leaving the post at the end of last year.
• She was criticized for describing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as "a predator" and criticizing his views on vaccination.

Statistics:

• 6 months: the length of time without an ambassador to Australia since Caroline Kennedy's departure.
• 59 billion: the amount of US dollars allocated in proposed legislation to detain and deport migrants.
• 1776: the year the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
• 2025: the target year for the proposed legislation to be implemented.
• 1: The number of US ambassadors to Australia since Caroline Kennedy's departure.

Sources:

• "The Australian" article, July 6, 2022 (exact format and content as mentioned in the original text).
• No other external sources cite in this analysis as only one original source is referred to in the paragraph.