The Mayor of the US capital, Washington, Muriel Bowser, has once again declared May 26 as Georgia’s Independence Day in the American capital.
The mayor’s proclamation states that the city, together with the Georgian people and the Georgian diaspora, is celebrating the 35th anniversary of Georgia’s independence.
This is an annual symbolic act—the Washington authorities declared May 26 as Georgia’s Independence Day in previous years as well.
This practice was established in Washington many years ago as a symbolic gesture of support for Georgia and the Georgian diaspora in the US. Every year, the mayor of the American capital signs a special proclamation to mark May 26, Georgia’s Independence Day.
Such declarations have no legal force and do not constitute a public holiday in the US. Instead, their purpose is to highlight the friendly relations between the countries, recognize the contribution of the Georgian community to the life of Washington, and express support for Georgia’s independence and sovereignty.
US cities and states often adopt similar symbolic acts to honor the national holidays of various countries and diasporas living in the United States.