Marines perform the Presentation of the Colours at the US Independence Day reception.

Always dapperly dressed, Chilean Ambassador Alfredo Garcia (left) and European Union head, Ambassador Marco Mazzocchi-Alemanni, hit the right fashion notes.- photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

The lines to get into the United States embassy are usually for persons seeking visas. But on Wednesday, it was to celebrate America's Independence Day. Though the actual day is July 4 (Friday), US Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson did the honours two days early.

In her speech, the loudest applause was for her comments regarding the US presidential elections in November. Ambassador LaGrange Johnson assured the gathering that regardless of who was victorious, the relations between both countries would continue to be strong. "Our two countries have a solid base of friendship that we have carefully and thoughtfully built over the last 46 years. That will not change," she said.

With those words, the usual toasts were made and guests either sauntered into the embassy's atrium, this year adorned lovingly with banners and balloons in the red, white and blue, or sampled the grilled cuisine outside.

Guests out included Colombian Ambassador Dr Ventura Emilio Diaz Mejia, Russian Ambassador Victor Zotin, Nigerian High Commissioner Peter Oyedele, Japanese Ambassador Masahiro Obata and wife Hiroko, Kareen Nicolopulo, Blair Bobyk, Erin Chang, Lewis Clark, Anton and Maria Boerger, Health Minister Ruddy Spencer, Kingston's Mayor Desmond McKenzie, Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin and wife Tessa, Thalia Lyn, Ambassador Maxine Roberts, Sandra Grant-Griffiths, Robert MacMillan and Jennifer Stanigar, Merton Owens, Dr Ernest Pate, Neville Reid, Yulit Gordon, Carlton Stephen, Roy Reid, Richard and Diana Stewart, Lois Lake-Sherwood, Dr Jonathan Greenland and James Forbes.

Trefina Asiedu (second left) introduces her son Kwabema to US Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson and husband Howard Johnson.

Information Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange (left) and Jennifer Lim joke with Maurice Facey.

Robeth Streete is smiling but not looking where long-time friend Major Errol Alliman is intently pointing.

Lieutenant Commander John Merli (centre) hangs out with the two 'Sams', Sam Bolan (left) and Sam Vause, both of the British High Commission, at the US Independence Day reception at the US Embassy on Wednesday.