In a remarkable event to celebrate Lebanon’s 77th Independence Day, Niagara Falls in Canada lit up with the Lebanese flag for the first time in history.
One of the world’s most fascinating natural wonders was illuminated with the colors of our national flag – red, white, and green – not only to commemorate Lebanon’s independence but also as a gesture of solidarity from Canada to the Lebanese people.
“In unity, there is strength. In remembrance, there is hope… Let be known that Canada stands by Lebanon and the Lebanese diaspora,” issued the Lebanese Consulate in Toronto, Ontario.
Hosted by the Mayor of Niagara Falls, Jim Diodati, the event was organized by the Honorary Consul of Lebanon in Toronto, Gregoire Bostajian, with the support of the Lebanese Embassy in Canada and in collaboration with community volunteers.
“On this day, we recognize the unique cultural contributions of Lebanon the the world,” tweeted Diodati, with his good wishes to the the Lebanese people.
The event that started at 7:00 PM EST on November 21 (2:00 AM GMT November 22) gathered Lebanese families carrying Lebanon’s flags.
The event was also live-streamed on the Lebanese Consulate Toronto’s Facebook and Niagara Falls Earth Cam.
Earlier in the afternoon, Honorary Consul Bostajian and his wife met with the Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati and CEO of the Niagara Parks Commission David Adames, and in the presence of community members, the Canadian and the Lebanese national anthems were chanted, after which the Lebanese flag was raised.
The officials exchanged “symbolic gifts to represent the 77th Independence Day of Lebanon”, commemorating “all those who stand in solidarity with the Lebanese, and the hardships they faced prior to and after the explosion that shook Beirut on August 4th,” the Lebanese Consulate posted on its FB, thanking Mayor Diodati for his hospitality.
Canada is home to hundreds of thousands of Lebanese-Canadians and was one of the many countries that immediately supported Lebanon in the wake of the Beirut blast. This event comes to reinforce Canada’s moral support to the Lebanese people during this very difficult time their homeland is enduring.
