Syrian Cultural Garden Cleveland Ohio
May 29, 2011
Friends of the Syrian community got together Sunday May 29, 2011 for the official launch celebration of the Syrian Cultural Garden.
The event began with the National Anthem of the United States followed by the Syrian Anthem.
Adnan Elias Mourany MD, Syrian Cultural Garden Founding President, told how the Syrian Cultural Garden came to be and join the community of Cleveland Cultural Gardens. He thanked his associates Jamil Dayeh and Wael Khoury MD.
Then Wael Khoury MD, Syrian American Cultural Council founding president and Syrian Cultural Garden Project Chairman, quoted Khalil Gibran as he discussed the new Syrian Garden.
Jamil Dayeh, Syrian Cultural Garden Project Manager, told of the early plans for the Syrian Cultural Garden and how the support of the community made it a reality.
The numerous dignitaries on stage were called to speak one by one. Former US Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar was first.
Former US Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar at Syrian Garden
Paul Burik, president of the Cleveland Cultural Garden Federation, welcomed the Syrian Garden to the Cleveland Cultural Garden family.
Paul Burik, president of the Cleveland Cultural Garden Federation
The next speaker was Rima Azmeh Akhrass.
Rima Azmeh Akhrass and Wael Khoury
Congressman Dennis Kucinich spoke about Syria and the Syrian people. He presented a Congressional proclamation to the Syrian Garden Board
Congressman Dennis Kucinich and Wael Khoury
George Brown, representative from Senator Rob Portman's office, read a proclamation from Senator Portman to the Syrian community.
George Brown from Senator Rob Portman's office and Adnan Mourany
Then Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson congratulated the Syrian community on their new Cultural Garden.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson
Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald was next to speak.
Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald
The Attorney General of the District congratulated the Cleveland Syrian community on behalf of President Obama.
Fred DeGrandis of Cleveland Clinic spoke next.
Ronn Richard of the Cleveland Foundation congratulated the Cleveland Syrian community.
Wael Khoury and Ronn Richard of the Cleveland Foundation
Next Steven Petras, Chairman of the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, spoke.
Bassam Khawam and Naim Farhat read proclamations the Syrian Garden Board had received.
Professor Nasser Rabat of MIT spoke about the stages of historical development in Syria, the Arch of Palmyra and other features of the new Syrian Cultural Garden.
Professor Nasser Rabat of MIT
Professor Amr Al-Azem spoke about Syria as the Cradle of Civilization and the different eras of Syrian history as narrated in the engraved texts on the columns.
Cleveland Syrian Cultural Garden Board Members and auxiliary board members came up on stage to be recognized.
Cleveland Syrian Cultural Garden Board Members
Cleveland Syrian Cultural Garden Board Members and auxiliary board members
The presentation ended with a musical performance by Syrian-American children.
