(Above: The Empire State Buildings lights up with blue and gold on May 9, 2023.)

Buildings across the United States will light up blue and gold in honor of Europe Day on May 9, which marks the founding of the European Union as we know it today. Joining the illumination, a series of cultural events, proclamations, and receptions will be held across the country to recognize the occasion.

“Europe Day is a perfect moment to celebrate the strength and vibrancy of the transatlantic relationship,” European Union Ambassador to the United States Jovita Neliupšienė said. “The EU has always been a peace project and remains the longest lasting peace project. The United States has been a strong supporter of European integration, and the enduring connection we share contributes to peace and prosperity in our countries and around the world.”  

On Europe Day, May 9, the European Union celebrates its achievements of unity and long-term peace, commemorating the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950. This historic initiative by the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman launched peaceful cooperation on coal and steel production among European countries that later paved the way for European integration, prosperity, and economic growth. It is considered the founding document of what is now the European Union of 27 member countries that share common values and principles.

The full list of initiatives celebrating Europe Day across the USA includes:

• Atlanta, GA – European Film Festival at Plaza and Tara Theatres
• Chicago, IL – Lighting of Willis Tower and Proclamations by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
• Cleveland, OH – Lighting of Terminal Tower
• Columbus, OH – Flag raising at Ohio Statehouse
• Coral Gables, FL – Lighting of City Hall
• Dallas, TX – Proclamation from Mayor Eric Johnson
• Houston, TX – Lighting of City Hall and Proclamation from Houston Mayor John Whitmire
• Key West, FL – Lighting of Instituto San Carlos
• Los Angeles, CA – Proclamation from Chair of Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Lindsey Horvath
• Miami, FL – European Film Festival at Miami Dade College
• New Orleans, LA – Flag raising above City Hall
• New York, NY – Lighting of Empire State Building
• San Francisco, CA – Lighting of Town Hall and Reception with the presence of EU High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell
• Washington, D.C. – Annual EU Open House and Transatlantic Bridge Award Ceremony

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