U.S. ambassador Jacobson bids tearful goodbye at Fourth of July party

Wiping away tears and clearing his throat, United States Ambassador David Jacobson had to collect himself before he could wish guests at his final Independence Day garden party a happy Fourth of July on behalf of President Barack Obama and the American people.

On Friday, Jacobson will return to his hometown of Chicago as a private citizen after a four-year tenure in the nation’s capital. Thursday’s celebration, which drew between 3,500 and 4,000 guests to the ambassador’s Rockcliffe Park-area official residence, was as much about recognizing Jacobson’s departure as it was honouring the 237th anniversary of the founding of the United Stated of America.

Jacobson and his family — his wife Julie, daughter Wynne and son Jeremy — took to the stage in the early evening to welcome guests. Quoting Winston Churchill, Jacobson said his time in Canada had been a bright hour that flashed away too fast.

via U.S. ambassador Jacobson bids tearful goodbye at Fourth of July party.