DEARBORN ­– Detroit’s Acting Consul General of Lebanon, Bashir Tawk, continued a local tradition as he hosted a c­elebration of the country’s Nov. 22, 1943 Independence Day from France at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn.

Tawk addressed a large, diverse crowd comprised mostly of Lebanese Americans at the event.

“To secure our independence, peace and freedom, we have to work hard among us to resolve our differences,” he said, noting the current political tensions the country is facing.

“We are hopeful that the Lebanese people are aware of the sensitive phase we are going through; the Lebanese people have been through a lot of instability but overcame all those obstacles.”

“We should not be worried for a country that has such a resilient and generous people and we will keep the faith in our beloved motherland, Lebanon.”

Lebanese American Heritage Club Executive Director Wassim Mahfouz, whose organization hosted a similar celebration last week, also attended.

“It is indeed a great honor to be here tonight celebrating the 67th Independence Day,” he said.

“We gather despite different religious and political beliefs united under one umbrella for Lebanon.”

Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano also attended and highlighted the strong Lebanese presence in the area.

“This is a great occasion and a special celebration, especially here in Wayne County where Lebanese Americans have contributed so much to our business and culture.”