PHILADELPHIA / ST. EUSTATIUS – An official delegation from St. Eustatius is in Philadelphia this week for the opening of the exhibition “The First Salute: An Untold Story of the American Revolution”, part of the United States Semiquincentennial programme.
The delegation is led by Island Governor Alida Francis and includes members of the Island Council, senior officials and cultural representatives. On April 21, the group attended a preview and guided tour of the exhibition alongside members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
The exhibition highlights the events of November 1776, when St. Eustatius became the first foreign entity to formally acknowledge the United States, and places this moment within a broader international and Caribbean context. Artefacts from St. Eustatius are included as part of the display.
The official opening is scheduled for later today, where Governor Francis is expected to deliver remarks.
Statia day 2026
The visit is part of preparations leading up to Statia Day on November 16, 2026, marking 250 years since the First Salute.
