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Syrian Cultural Garden in Cleveland Ohio

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.

US National anthem at Syrian Garden in Cleveland



Syrian National anthem at Syrian Garden in Cleveland


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

Former US Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar at Syrian Garden



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, welcomes 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

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

Congressman Dennis Kucinich and Wael Khoury

Congressman Dennis Kucinich in Syrian Garden



Congressman Dennis Kucinich in Syrian Garden


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

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 in Syrian Garden

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson



Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald was next to speak.

Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald

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

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.

Bassam Khawam and Naim Farhat



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 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



Cleveland Syrian Cultural Garden Board Members and auxiliary board members

Cleveland Syrian Cultural Garden Board Members and auxiliary board members

The presentation ended with a musical performance by Syrian-American children.

Syrian-American children singing in Syrian Garden in Cleveland



Syrian-American children singing in Syrian Garden in Cleveland


See photos of speakers, board members and attendees at the Syrian Garden.


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