With a new American president taking office, the United States are not the only ones saying goodbye to dignitaries; the Danish people are saying goodbye to the United States Ambassador to Denmark, Rufus Gifford.
He was the Finance Director of Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign, and after the election, President Obama nominated him for Ambassador to Denmark.
Rufus Gifford is openly gay and married his long-term partner, Stephen DeVincent, at Copenhagen City Hall in 2015.
Today he received one of the highest orders Denmark can offer; he was knighted by Queen Margrethe II, receiving the Order of the Dannebrog, with diamonds in the cross as a special honor. (Similar to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction.)
Gifford and his partner are loved by the Danish people; in public people cheer him, beg him to stay in the country, and encourage him to run for president in the US, if he insists on leaving us.
Thank you for your service, Mr. Gifford. Come back and see us sometime.
