Day Of National Unity Commemoration Marks Anniversary Worldwide

Michigan Event Draws Hundreds

(DEARBORN, MI)...United for Lebanon (UFL), a coalition of Lebanese-American groups and individuals devoted to the mission of promoting unity within the many backgrounds of the Lebanese Community, hosted hundreds of guests at an ‘Evening of Unity’ last night in Dearborn as they marked the 30th Anniversary of the start of the Lebanese Civil War, vowing never to return to war amongst themselves again.

"Fellow Lebanese Americans, Lebanon is going through some of the toughest times in its modern history, and tonight calls upon us to make a difference and declare our total unity," said the UFL Vice-President.

Remembering the terrible events that started on April 13, 1975, the UFL urged all Lebanese Americans, regardless of their religion or political affiliation, to join the event to declare one more time their complete unity, stressing that there will be no going back and that Lebanon was and will continue to be a forgiving country with coexistence of all religions, a generous and giving country of peace and good will to all people.

Farmington Hills City Councilman John Akouri, an American of Lebanese descent said, "Today, Lebanese people around the world are commemorating a time that produced horrific events for far too long, in the small land with the big heart called Lebanon. As all foreign forces begin to disarm and withdraw from sovereign Lebanese soil, let us look to an independent Lebanon with national unity, free and fair elections, the truth behind the Hariri assassination, the return of all Lebanese POW's, and the promise of a bright future for Lebanese citizens and diaspora across the globe."

An initial main objective of the UFL is to work diligently on uniting the American Lebanese community regardless of religion or political affiliation. Also, the UFL plans to establish a connection with similar organizations and groups in Lebanon to promote the exchange of ideas and thoughts on ways to help improve the quality of life for all Lebanese citizens.

The UFL promises to unite and rally Lebanese-American groups and individuals in support of UFL’s Mission and Objectives by providing humanitarian and other aid to the Lebanese people, as, well as securing the same from governmental and other agencies. Additionally, it vows to actively participate in the American political process by lobbying elected officials and supporting those officials whose positions and policy making are in harmony with the UFL. Finally, the UFL will work to constantly create a public awareness of the situation in Lebanon by means of publications, the media and special programs.

Statement by Councilman John Akouri on the Death of Pope John Paul II

(HAMTRAMCK, MI)...Farmington Hills City Councilman John Akouri, a practicing Catholic who, as a free-lance photojournalist covered the Pontiff’s 1987 visit to Michigan, offered the following statement upon hearing of the death of Pope John Paul II:

Pope John Paul II and President Ronald Reagan were two incredible dynamos of the 1980’s and through their life’s work, inspired me along with countless others to the call of public service during those impressionable years. As the world mourns this week, we remember that this universally beloved Pontiff’s life serves as an inspiration to all mankind and his death is an unspeakable loss to earthly humanity. He was a faithful shepherd who tirelessly tended to his flock, even in the end throughout all of his public suffering. His accomplishments are numerous – not the least of which is bringing the Vatican into the 21st Century through his savvy means of communication, his extraordinary attention to the youth of the Catholic Church, his helm as the driving force that hastened the demise of Communism, the unprecedented number of Saints canonized throughout his reign, and his global travels to bring the message of Jesus Christ to the masses – in their own lands.

As a free-lance photojournalist, I covered the Papal visit to Detroit in 1987. I will never forget the euphoric feeling of those present when his motorcade drove down Joseph Campau, his speech to the Polish town of Hamtramck, or the Mass of the Eucharist celebrated before 100,000 worshipers at the Pontiac Silverdome. He was a master at public relations and when you left any of those venues, you sensed as though the Pope looked directly at your eyes as if he knew you personally. I have every bit of memorabilia still with me from that day including all of the original photographs, which I cherish immensely. As we pause globally this week to grieve John Paul II The Great, let us also celebrate his love for the sanctity of life, acts of forgiveness and devotion to prayer. It is only fitting to honor a man whose name will be inextricably linked to the history and ecumenical progress of the last century.

Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.