Dubai: The UAE is a good land that embraced the Lebanese community with loyalty and solidarity, Lebanon's Consul General said in Dubai during the 66th Lebanese independence day celebrations.
"In the name of Lebanon and its people, I welcome you all … through the Lebanese community in the UAE, I greet this good land that embraced us with the loyalty and solidarity of the United Arab Emirates, its government and people. A renewed memory, another reunion, in your presence, we celebrate today the 66th anniversary of Lebanon's Independence Day [November 22, 1943]…," said Dona Al Turk, Lebanese Consul General in Dubai and the northern emirates.
Addressing Lebanese expatriates, diplomats and Emirati officials, represented by Dr Hanif Hassan, the UAE Minister of Health, Dona said: "Here, in Lebanon's uniting home, under our red, green and white flag [the colours of the Lebanese flag] ... Throughout our old and modern history, the red has symbolised the struggle until martyrdom, the green has symbolised life and the white has symbolised hope ..."
Hundreds of Lebanese citizens celebrated the 66th independence day on Sunday evening at the premises of the Lebanese Consulate in Bur Dubai.
The Consul General said Lebanon's independence affirms the Lebanese's attachment to the land and bond with liberty. "We affirm the definiteness of belonging whose rules are not altered by phases and stages: heroism and martyrdom, pride and joy or wars and blood, distress and suffering," she added.
This year's celebration carried a special scent of Lebanese food and delicacies. Food is a facet of people's identity and a taste that accompanies the memory of Lebanon's land, villages and family reunions, Dona stressed.
Value to the nation
A special DVD on the history of Lebanon and its people and their sacrifices and determination was screened.
"Don't think it's an easy thing to be Lebanese. Lebanon is a value beyond all other values. And you are a value to the nation. It is our fate and our fate is to remain and to encourage endeavours. This is our fate. This is our country. Being Lebanese is something one has to live up to," concluded Dona.
