December 5, 2014
The unveiling of the statue of the Lebanese American literary artist and philosopher Gibran Khalil Gibran, will be an eternal inspiration for all generations.
As a visionary he worked actively and tirelessly toward achieving unity amid diversity, thereby, merging Eastern and Western philosophies. Gibran is indeed a dynamic and vibrant figure of the East and the West, with no doubt, was the citizen of the world as he once wrote “humans are divided into many different clans and tribes, and belong to countries and towns. But I find myself a stranger to all communities and belong to no settlement. The universe is my country, and the human family is my tribe.” His words also have been quoted and used in speeches by many famous people such as President John F. Kennedy in his 1961 inauguration where he stated, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”
As the great Lebanese American poet, Khalil Gibran, once wrote “you have your Lebanon and its dilemma. I have my Lebanon and its beauty.“
Well, today Lebanon is both… haunted with dilemma and blessed with beauty.
The dilemma consists of a wound that is trying to heal after years of foreign occupation and ongoing regional instability around Lebanon.
Yet, through it all, one can’t help but see Lebanon’s beauty: the majestic mountains; the breathtaking waterfalls; the amazing forests; and the resilient people.
The citizens of Lebanon deserve to live in a free, sovereign, and independent country! The hostility, and fierce attacks against Lebanon and the Lebanese citizens must end, and those responsible must be brought to justice.
Again, I would like to thank everyone that worked to make this event happen. I am grateful and proud to be a part of this exciting event.
The unveiling of Gibran’s statue in Los Angeles shall testify to eternity and, behold, what Lebanon stands for in this universe.
Dr Mohamed El-choum
President WLCU- North America (USA & Canada)