Sierra Leoneans in the United States gathered at Bowling Green Park in Manhattan’s Financial District on Monday, April 27, to mark the country’s 65th Independence Day anniversary with a flag-raising ceremony organized in collaboration with the country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

The event brought together members of the diaspora community from across New York, New Jersey, and the wider Tri-State area, who turned out in a joyous mood to celebrate the West African nation’s independence from British colonial rule, achieved on April 27, 1961, as the U.S. Department of State extended official congratulations to the government and people of Sierra Leone.

Deputy Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, Her Excellency Ambassador Eddinia Michaela Swallow, led the commemoration, accompanied by Minister Plenipotentiary and Head of Chancery Mr. Sulay-Manah Kpukumu and other staff of the Permanent Mission.

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Ambassador Swallow, a distinguished Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Sierra Leone who holds a Master of Laws with Distinction in International Commercial and Business Law from the University of East Anglia, has served as the country’s Deputy Permanent Representative for Legal Affairs to the UN since her appointment in November 2024 . She has previously represented Sierra Leone at the UN Security Council, including presiding over votes on international sanctions regimes.

Addressing the gathered community, Ambassador Swallow expressed gratitude for their steadfast support and love for Sierra Leone.

“Today, as we raise our flag, we do more than celebrate independence — we are renewing our hope, strengthening our partnerships, and reaffirming our commitment to unity, peace, justice, and progress,” she said.

She emphasized that Sierra Leone remains committed to advancing international peace and security, promoting inclusive development, and amplifying the voices of women and youth on the global stage. She noted that despite global and national challenges, the country continues to make steady progress under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership.

“Let us continue to work together at home and abroad to build the Sierra Leone we all envision,” Ambassador Swallow urged. “As we celebrate our independence, let us remember our strengths: we may be a small country, but we have a big heart filled with love, compassion, and unforgettable hospitality.”

The Independence Day celebrations coincided with an official message from Washington. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a press statement on April 27 extending heartfelt congratulations to Sierra Leoneans, reaffirming the enduring partnership between the two nations .

“The United States values the enduring partnership we share with Sierra Leone, rooted in our mutual commitment to peace and prosperity,” Secretary Rubio stated, according to the State Department’s official release. “As we mark this important occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to working together to advance security and economic growth for the benefit of both our nations”.

The U.S. Embassy in Freetown also issued a message congratulating “Mama Salone” on its 65th Independence anniversary, stating it is “proud to stand with Sierra Leone as we work together to advance shared priorities that benefit both our peoples”. The Embassy was closed for official business on April 27 in observance of Sierra Leone’s National Day.

The diaspora community in the United States has been actively celebrating throughout the weekend. On April 25, the “One Salone Independence Concert & Party” took place in Hyattsville, Maryland, featuring live performances from Sierra Leonean artists and Afrobeats DJs to unite Sierra Leoneans and friends of Sierra Leone across the DMV area