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Strings helps celebrate U.S. - Australia diplomatic relations

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Will Hurd
Washington, D.C. --  On Wednesday October 14th, the Air Force Strings did what it does best by supporting international friendship and cooperation through music. Australia and the United States work closely with like-minded partners in regional and global forums, including the G20, East Asia Summit, World Trade Organization and United Nations.

2015 marks the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between Australia and the United States. The two nations established diplomatic relations on 8 January 1940. Following the establishment of Australian and United States Legations in March and July 1940 respectively, the White House announced the elevation of the Legations to Embassy status on 9 July 1946.

To mark this historic occasion, the Honorable Kim Beazley, Australian Ambassador to the U.S., hosted a celebration at his official residence last Wednesday night, and the Air Force Strings were invited to perform. In attendance were the Australian Minister for Defense, the Honorable Marise Payne, as well as numerous Australian and American diplomats and military officers.

The Air Force Strings began the evening by greeting the ambassador's guests with elegant music as they entered the residence. After the guests arrived, the Strings moved the entertainment to the outdoor patio while the guests mingled. The evening's musical presentation concluded with a special arrangement of "Waltzing Matilda," which is Australia's most widely known bush ballad, and has been described as the country's "unofficial national anthem." Upon hearing this familiar melody, the ambassador and his guests joined the Air Force musicians in a sing-along.

The ambassador's celebration received wide coverage in the Australian media. The Air Force Strings are proud to have had the opportunity to represent the excellence of all American Airmen in front of Australia's leaders and the Australian people.