Lebanon Day 2015 was celebrated at an event in Cleveland City Hall's Rotunda. The event, celebrating 72 years of Lebanese Independence, was put on by the American Lebanese Community Council (ALCC) and hosted by Mayor Jackson and the city of Cleveland.
The American Lebanese Community Council (ALCC) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, created for all American Lebanese, Lebanese or those of Lebanese descent regardless of their political or religious affiliations. It was founded in November 2012 and was created for the purpose:
- To preserve, enrich, and promote our Lebanese heritage and traditions through educational, cultural and charitable activities.
- To establish and maintain the Lebanese Cultural Garden at the Cleveland Cultural Garden Federation.
- To interact with local communities to increase public awareness of the Lebanese Culture.
- To create understanding and unity among the Lebanese people and the community.
Richard Anter III served as Master of Ceremonies for Lebanon Day in Cleveland celebrating 72 years of Lebanese Independence.
Richard Anter III
After welcoming the crowd he asked for a moment of silence for the victims of terror in Paris, Beirut and other places. Then the US Army Color Guard presented the colors.
Elizabeth Unis Chesko led the US National Anthem.
Elizabeth Unis Chesko
Fr. Naim Khalil, Pastor of St Elias Church, led the Lebanese National Anthem.
Fr. Naim Khalil
Monsignor Bill Bonczewski, Pastor of Our Lady of the Cedars in Fairlawn Ohio, gave an invocation.
Monsignor Bill Bonczewski
Imam Ramez Istambouli of Case Western Reserve University also gave an invocation.
Imam Ramez Istambouli
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson spoke at the 2015 Lebanon Day in Cleveland celebrating 72 years of Lebanese Independence.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson
Councilman Brian Cummins spoke next and presented a proclamation from City Council.
Councilman Brian Cummins
Councilman Brian Cummins and Pierre Bejjani
American Lebanese Community Council (ALCC) President Pierre Bejjani thanked the committee, sponsors and supporters of the 2015 Lebanon Day in Cleveland celebrating 72 years of Lebanese Independence. He also recognized dignitaries in attendance.
Pierre BejjaniRichard Anter III and Pierre Bejjani
Pierre said that the ALCC was for all regardless of religion or political persuasion. He told why we should celebrate the independence of Lebanon in these troubled times.
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Two special men were honored at the event. Roger Abood was honored by the American Lebanese Community Council for his many achievements.
Roger Abood and Pierre Bejjani
Roger Abood and Pierre Bejjani
Roger Abood
Michael Orra was the other deserving honoree.
Steven Dettelbach, US Attorney for Northern District of Ohio, was the keynote speaker.
Steven Dettelbach
Steven Dettelbach Michael Orra and Tamore Gemayel gave a presentation on the past, present and future of the Lebanese Cultural Garden. The Lebanese Garden will join the chain of 30 or so other nationality gardens in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens chain.
Michael Orra and Tamore Gemayel
Tamore Gemayel
The evening continued with performabces by the Ajyal Dancers, great food and dancing. Be sure to visit the other 2 pages of Lebanon Day 2015.
Main 2015 Lebanon Day Page (this page)
Ajyal Dabke Dancers at 2015 Lebanon Day
2015 Lebanon Day People Page
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