Lebanon Day 2018 in Cleveland
Cleveland City Hall Rotunda November 19,2018
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 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.
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, 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 Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson gave 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, Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish gave his remarks.
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Next, ALCC President Pierre Bejjani gave his remarks. 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
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
Finally, Pierre Bejjani introduced the family of Dr. Mahmoud Orra who the ALCC honored posthumously for his contributions.
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.
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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