DEARBORN — Lebanese Americans throughout the Detroit area are celebrating the 65th anniversary of Lebanon’s independence.

Consul General of Lebanon in Detroit Bashir Tawk displaying a citation from the state of Michigan signed by Sen. Irma Clark-Coleman recognizing Lebanese Independence Day.

Lessening political tensions in the country have given people a little extra reason to party.
The Consulate General of Lebanon in Detroit held a reception on Wednesday ahead of Lebanese Independence Day, which falls on Saturday, Nov. 22.

Consul General Bashir Tawk said it was his first chance to really celebrate the day as consul general since taking the position in 2006. Celebrations were cancelled at the last minute in ’06 and ’07 because of political strife.

“We didn’t have a chance to celebrate officially,” he said. “This year was really a happy moment… It was a chance to show that Lebanon is back to normal.”

He said that when Lebanon first gained independence in 1943, the people came together in national unity to overcome the French, and that Lebanese unity was realized once again this year when President Michel Sleiman was elected on May 25.

Tawk said he believes that with the help of the diaspora, Beirut will again be known as a bridge connecting East and West.

Oakland University’s Lebanese Club was to hold their own celebration on campus in Rochester on Friday, with a screening of the film “Under the Bombs,” shot during the 34-day 2006 Lebanese-Israeli war, at 5 p.m. followed by a Lebanese style party at 7 p.m. Call 248.761.2692 for information. Watch the trailer at www.underthebombs.com.

The Lebanese American Heritage Club (LAHC) was to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the group’s inception on Friday along with Lebanese Independence Day, with a party featuring cultural exhibits at 4335 Maple Street in Dearborn. Call 313.846.8480 for information.

The Lebanese American Club of Michigan (LACOM) is set to celebrate on Saturday with its 12th Annual Trail Blazer Awards, featuring Lebanese television news anchor May Chidiac, at St. Sharbel Maronite Church, 31601 Schoenherr Road in Warren, at 7 p.m.

The event is also to feature music by Yousef Shamoun.