Lebanon Day 2017 in Cleveland
Cleveland City Hall Rotunda November 20,2017
The American Lebanese Community Council presented the 7th annual celebration of Lebanon Day in the City of Cleveland celebrating the 74th independence of Lebanon. The ceremony was in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.
It began with Mistress of Ceremonies Nisreen Khazaal introducing the US Army Color Guard and the playing of the national anthems of the United States and Lebanon.
US Army Color Guard at Lebanon Day
Richard Anter III led the United States national anthem and Father Naim Khalil, Pastor of St Elias Melkite Church led the Lebanese anthem
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Richard Anter III
Next, Nisreen Khazaal called on Father Naim Khalil and Imam Ramez Islambouli from Case Western Reserve University for the invocations.
Father Naim Khalil and Imam Ramez Islambouli
Next, American Lebanese Community Council president Pierre Bejjani welcomed the crowd, thanked sponsors and gave an update.
Pierre Bejjani
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson spoke next and presented a proclamation to Pierre Bejjani.
Mayor Frank Jackson
Pierre Bejjani and Mayor Frank Jackson
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish spoke next.
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish
Pierre Bejjani and Armond Budish
Next, Pierre Bejjani called up Ohio State Representative Kenny Yuko and a rep from Secretary of State John Husted's office.
Kenny Yuko
Secretary of State John Husted's representative
World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU) North America President Judge George Khouri spoke about the Lebanese diaspora.
Judge George Khouri
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur was the keynote speaker and she paid tribute to the Lebanese Americans especially the two honorees that evening, Dr. Farid Muakkassa and Mr. Yehia Shousher.
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur
Pierre Bejjani and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur
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Next, ALCC President Pierre Bejjani introduced Yehia "John" Shousher who was honored for his lifetime of service.
Yehia "John" Shousher
Yehia "John" Shousher and Pierre Bejjani
The other honoree was Dr. Farid Muakkassa.
Dr. Farid Muakkassa
Dr. Farid Muakkassa and Pierre Bejjani
After a delicious dinner, a presentation on the status of the Lebanese Cultural Garden was made by Rasha Alameh and Aleina Soueidi.
Rasha Alameh and Aleina Soueidi
Lebanese Cultural Garden plans
The evening continued as the Ajyal Lebanese Dance Group performed and then the crowd joined in for dancing.
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