The American Lebanese Community Council presented the 8th annual celebration of Lebanon Day in the City of Cleveland celebrating the 75th independence of Lebanon. The ceremony was in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.

Flag of Lebanon in Cleveland City Hall Rotunda

The evening began with Mistress of Ceremonies Leana Orra introducing the US Army Color Guard and the playing of the national anthems of the United States and Lebanon.

Richard Anter III led the United States national anthem.

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Richard Anter III leads the US national anthem with Army Color Guard

Richard Anter III leads the US national anthem

Then Father Naim Khalil, Pastor of St Elias Melkite Church led the Lebanese anthem

Father Naim Khalil, Pastor of St Elias Melkite Church

US Army Color Guard and Fr. Naim Khalil

Next, Leana Orra called on Msgr. William Bonczewski, Pastor of Our Lady of Cedars Church and Imam Ramez Islambouli from Case Western Reserve University for the invocations.

Msgr. William Bonczewski, Pastor of Our Lady of Cedars Church

Imam Ramez Islambouli

Then Mistress of Ceremonies Leana Orra introduced Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson for his remarks.

Mayor Frank Jackson

Mayor Frank Jackson gives proclamation to Pierre Bejjani

Cleveland City Council members Matt Zone and Kerry McCormack made remarks and presented a proclamation accepted by Pierre Bejjani.

Councilmen Matt Zone and Kerry McCormack

Kerry McCormack, Pierre Bejjani and Matt Zone

Next, Ceremonies Leana Orra introduced Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish for his remarks.

Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish

Then Leana Orra spoke about the 501c3 American Lebanese Community Council and announced the sponsors and supporters.

Leana Orra

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Next, ALCC President Pierre Bejjani gave his remarks.

ALCC President Pierre Bejjani

Three outstanding individuals were honored by the ALCC for their contributions. First, ALCC President Pierre Bejjani introduced Natalie Ronayne as the ALCC honored her for her contributions.

Pierre Bejjani introduces Natalie Ronayne

Natalie Ronayne accepts her award

Leana Orra, Natalie Ronayne and Pierre Bejjani

Next, Pierre Bejjani introduced James Kassouf as the ALCC honored for his contributions. Mr. Kassouf was out of town so his son Joe Kassouf accepted on his behalf.

Joe Kassouf

Leana Orra, Joe Kassouf and Pierre Bejjani

Finally, Pierre Bejjani introduced the family of Dr. Mahmoud Orra who the ALCC honored posthumously for his contributions.

Orra family members honoring Dr. Mahmoud Orra

Orra family members accepting honor for the late Dr. Mahmoud Orra

Julia Bejjani gave an update on the Lebanese Cultural Garden.

Julia Bejjani

Vera Hatem

Lebanese Cultural Garden plans

Blanche Salwan sang a special Lebanese song.

Blanche Salwan

The popular Ajyal Dabke performed energetic Lebanese dances.

Ajyal Dabke Dancers

See photos and videos of Ajyal Dabke at Lebanon Day on Page 2

After a delicious dinner, people danced to the music and continued to celebrate Lebanon Day in Cleveland.

Enjoy these other images from the 2018 Lebanon Day in Cleveland

Mayor Frank Jackson with brothers Chafic and Pierre Bejjani

Nemer Saueidi showing his hometown on the map of Lebanon

US Army Color Guard and dignitaries

Posing in front of the flag of Lebanon

Issam and Mrs. Boudiab

Tony and Mona Abdulkarim show their hometown on the map of Lebanon

Kerry McCormack, Pierre Bejjani, Chief Angelo Calvillo and Matt Zone

Dr. Abdo Orra showing his hometown on the map of Lebanon

Honoree Natalie Ronayne and family members

Jad Bedran, Vera Hatem, Faris Alameh, Brunswick Mayor Ron Falconi, Pierre Bejjani, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Tony Abdulkarim

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Jad Bedram showing his hometown on the map of Lebanon

Ajyal Dabke and friends

Richard and Mrs Anter, Mayor Frank Jackson and Fr. Naim Khalil

Posing with the flag on Lebanon Day

Unknown, Vera Hatem, Tony Abdulkarim, Rob Frost,
Pierre, Mary and Chafic Bejjani

Blanche Salwan and a map of Lebanon

Orra family ladies

Tony Abdulakrim,Vera Hatem, Kerry McCormack, Pierre Bejjani, Chief Angelo Calvillo, Gia Hoa Ryan and Matt Zone

Lebanon Day stage