DistantNews
Support us
🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

5 million dollars, 220 donors, and 8,850 guests: Bill White shares figures ahead of US anniversary party

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • US Ambassador Bill White announced that 8,850 guests are registered for the US's 250th-anniversary celebration in Brussels' Cinquantenaire Park.
  • The event, costing $5 million, is funded by over 220 donors, including major American and Belgian companies.
  • White addressed the event's purpose, emphasizing the strong transatlantic relationship despite recent controversies surrounding his tenure.

US Ambassador Bill White revealed that 8,850 people have registered to attend the upcoming celebration for the 250th anniversary of the United States, to be held in Brussels' Cinquantenaire Park. The announcement came during a press conference where White shared details about the scale and funding of the event.

They vary from a dollar to more than 250,000 dollar

— Bill WhiteDescribing the range of donations received for the US 250th anniversary celebration.

The celebration is projected to cost $5 million, with contributions coming from more than 220 donors. These donors range from individuals giving as little as one dollar to significant contributions exceeding $250,000. The funding includes support from prominent American multinational corporations such as Meta, Microsoft, Nike, and McDonald's, alongside Belgian companies like Leonidas, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Sabena, Van Moer Logistics, and Sibelco.

White emphasized that the event aims to foster the transatlantic relationship, urging attendees to look past what he described as "media noise" that might exaggerate divisions. He stated, "We know we have a great relationship that we must cherish and continue." The ambassador's tenure has been marked by controversy, including his opposition to a judicial inquiry into alleged illegal circumcisions within Antwerp's Jewish community and a temporary entry ban for a Belgian politician.

Let's ignore some of the media noise about provoking quarrels or showing more division than there really is. We know we have a great relationship that we must cherish and continue.

— Bill WhiteAddressing the purpose of the celebration and the state of US-Belgian relations.

Local residents have also expressed criticism, citing the park's closure from Friday evening until Monday and the presence of a private firm conducting identity checks. A protest is also planned on the other side of the park. White, however, appeared unfazed by the protests, stating he welcomed demonstrators and was curious about the reasons for their dissent. The evening's program includes speeches from notable figures like Prime Minister Bart De Wever, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, concluding with a drone and fireworks display.

I don't know what they are protesting about, but I would like to know.

— Bill WhiteResponding to news of a planned protest during the US anniversary event.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog