[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 169 (Friday, December 7, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO LEBANESE INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2001

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Lebanese 
American community, who celebrated the 58th anniversary of Lebanese 
independence on November 30, 2001.
  On November 22, 1943 Lebanon obtained its independence from France. 
Shortly thereafter, Lebanon became a founding member of both the United 
Nations and League of Arab States. Signaling its commitment to the idea 
that human rights were global and that it was ready to be a full 
partner in the post World War II world, Lebanon played an integral part 
in the drafting of one of the UN's most distinguished documents--the 
Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
  As one of the world's early cradles of civilization, Lebanon has long 
been held up as an example of prosperity and perseverance. In its 
recent history, Lebanon has suffered a great deal but to truly 
understand the spirit of the Lebanese people, one only need to look at 
the way in which they have rebuilt their nation. While much remains to 
be done, the nation's progress is an example from which we can all 
learn.
  The United States and Lebanon have been blessed by a historically 
strong friendship, owing in part to the emigration of Lebanon's sons 
and daughters. They embraced America with open arms and their 
contributions helped build a greater nation. This relationship is best 
exemplified by the following familiar words, first spoken by a proud 
Lebanese American: ``Are you a politician asking what your country can 
do for you or a zealous one asking what you can do for your country?'' 
Those are the words of Kahlil Gibran, a poet who frequently wove beauty 
and justice into his work and in the process touched the heart and 
meaning of America.
  Today, I think we have reason to reflect on another of Gibran's 
contributions, one that holds a great lesson for us all. ``To be a good 
citizen is to acknowledge the other person's rights before asserting 
your own, but always to be conscious of your own.''
  Since 1965, nearly 100,000 new immigrants have come from Lebanon. My 
home state of Michigan has one of the largest Lebanese American 
communities in the country and it has been actively involved in the 
life of our great state. The Lebanese community willingly shares its 
culture and values not only with Michigan, but with the entire nation. 
The result has been innumerable contributions to the arts, sports, 
medicine, politics, education, science and industry.
  Mr. Speaker, I join the people of Lebanon, those of Lebanese ancestry 
around the world and the Lebanese American community in celebrating 
Lebanese Independence Day. I salute all of them for the tremendous 
contributions to freedom and human dignity which they have made.

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