By Michel Chaghouri

LCN Contributing Writer

    At 9:30am on Tuesday, June 7th, the Los Angeles – Beirut Sister Cities Committee inaugurated a set of three benches on 1st Street and Main Street to commemorate the strong bonds between Los Angeles and Beirut.  Among those in attendance were Los Angeles Council Members, Mr. Dennis Zine and Mr. Tom LaBonge; Beirut Council Member, Mr. Nadim Costa; Beirut Sister Cities Committee President, Ms. Wafa Hoballah, joined by Committee members, Mr. Ferris Wehbe, Ms. Cecilia Munoz…

    Messrs. Dennis Zine and Tom LaBonge were both hearty in their praise.  They praised the Committee for its energy and zeal, and explained the significance of the Sister Cities program.  Mr. Zine recalled fondly his visit to Beirut a few years ago.  At the end of the inauguration, the Councilmembers surprised the crowd by announcing that a fire-engine was being donated to Beirut for $1. 

    From there, the crowd followed the Council-Members to City Hall where Beirut, and the Sister Cities Committee were recognized.  Mr. Nadim Costa gave a beautiful speech thanking the City Council and the Sister Cities Committee, and then gave to Messrs. Zine and LaBonge, and to each of the members of the Los Angeles – Beirut Sister Cities Committee, a book that recounted the history of Beirut through coins and stamps.

    After the City Hall presentation, the crowd went up to the Tom Bradley room for lunch and to mingle.  Cecilia Munoz MCed the lunch.  President Wafa Hoballah thanked the group and the city for their support.  Trip Haenisch, the renowned designer who had designed the benches was also thanked and invited up to speak.

    All in all, it was just another day to be proud of our Lebanese heritage, and of the many contributions we give to our adopted country