CITY OF FARMINGTON HILLS PROCLAMATION

Honoring The People of Lebanon and their Pursuit of Freedom, Sovereignty and Independence

WHEREAS, the Republic of Lebanon is one 15 countries that make up what is considered to be the cradle of humanity and historic home of the Phoenicians and Semitic traders whose cultures date back thousands of years; and

WHEREAS, Lebanon’s many ethnic and religious groups enrich the country’s diverse cuisine, musical and literary traditions, and architecture; and

WHEREAS, up to five generations of people from Lebanon have migrated to southeast Michigan in the past 100 years, making up the majority of the more than 300,000 U.S. citizens of Middle-Eastern descent who live in this area; and

WHEREAS, Lebanon has endured great hardships in the last 50 years, including a Civil War from 1975 to 1990, and the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in February, 2005; and

WHEREAS, the United States, together with the rest of the international community, support the withdrawal of Syria’s troops from Lebanon, the investigation of Hariri’s assassination, and the formation of sovereign and democratic Lebanese government through elections to be held beginning at the end of May.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Vicki Barnett, Mayor of the City of Farmington Hills, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby honor the people of Lebanon and the many citizens of Lebanese descent who live in and around Farmington Hills and thank them for their many contributions to our community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Farmington Hills stands together with the people of Lebanon in their pursuit of freedom and democracy.