The American Benevolent Society (ABS) held a 4th of July celebration at its Caza Libros bookshop in Lomas de Chapultepec, welcoming a large gathering from the U.S. expat community who came together to celebrate in style.
The party was organized and hosted by the society’s executive director, Barbara Franco, and offered some home-comfort treats of hot dogs, sloppy joes and cherry pie. An extraordinary flag cake was also provided as a fitting reminder of the day’s central meaning.
Entertainment was provided by Roger Cutney, a well-known American ex-patriot actor, who led the singing of some U.S. classics including Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land,” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” as well as the U.S. national anthem.
Caza Libros opened over 60 years ago to provide a focal point for people from all over the English-speaking community in Mexico to meet and share experiences.
One U.S. guest at the event explained that celebrations like these certainly helped to soften any feelings of homesickness at this time of the year.
The American Benevolent Society, which was founded on George Washington’s birthday in 1868, is a philanthropic society which aims to help both U.S. expats and others through charitable ventures.
While not affiliated with any religious or political group, the ABS founded the American Hospital, which later became the ABC Medical Center, as well as the American Cemetery.