The mayor of Lebanon, Missouri declared Sept. 20 as a “Day of Friendship” between the Republic of Lebanon and the City of Lebanon, according to the Embassy of Lebanon in Washington, D.C.
Mayor Jared Carr issued a proclamation to celebrate the city’s “bond with the country of Lebanon not only through name, but friendship.”
Lebanese photographer Fadi Boukaram planted a cedar tree in the city to mark the occasion. Boukaram has made it his mission to visit every city named Lebanon in the U.S.
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“Our bond with the city of Lebanon extends back well over half a century, and we look forward to fostering deeper cultural ties and cooperation through our mutual respect of one another,” the Embassy said in a statement.
READ: Full text of the mayor’s proclamation:
WHEREAS, The city of Lebanon and communities across America share a bond with the country of Lebanon not only through name, but friendship; and
WHEREAS, Americans have a growing social, cultural and economic ties to the global community, as we seek to communicate with and understand our partners from different language and cultural backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, our community has historic ties of friendship with the country of Lebanon; and
WHEREAS, the cedar tree is a fitting tribute to the country of Lebanon, its people and hospitality; and
WHEREAS, Though thousands of miles may separate our countries, our communities are bonded in friendship and a historic connection dating back to 1955; and
WHEREAS, The City of Lebanon seeks to renew our bond.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Carr, City of Lebanon, Missouri, Do hereby proclaim September 20, 2018 as a day of friendship between the country of Lebanon and the City of Lebanon, Missouri, USA. I urge all citizens to become familiar with and be open to learning about other nations and exploring our share of bonds.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Lebanon to be affixed this 20th day of September 2018.
Mayor Jared Carr
Attest: City Clerk Laina Starnes