2005 Speeches

U.S. 229th Birthday Gift to Lebanon St. Elie School and Orphanage

June 28, 2005

I am delighted to be here with you today for this celebration—and celebration it is for in ten days the United States of America will celebrate its 229th birthday. The birth of the American republic took place on July 4th, 1776—the day that we now call Independence Day—when 56 brave men signed their names to a document declaring the American colonies no longer owed allegiance to the British Crown but were “free and independent States."

For many years the U.S. Embassy in Beirut has celebrated Independence Day—the 4th of July—with a large reception, attended by many friends. This year, at this very special time in Lebanon’s struggle to assert its own sovereignty and independence, we decided to celebrate Lebanese-American friendship with a tangible gift from the people of the United States of America to the people of Lebanon. Instead of investing our time and money into a large and showy reception, we decided that a gift to Lebanese organizations, working with some of Lebanon’s most vulnerable citizens, was more in keeping with the spirit of our Founding Fathers, the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Today, I am proud to offer this gift from the American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Small Grants Program, to help some very special citizens of Lebanon—children with disabilities, children without families, and families living in poverty. By sharing the blessings of liberties that have been bestowed upon the American people, we support the Lebanese people in their own quest for sovereignty and independence. Our gift today, to benefit the children and families served by your organizations, underscores our belief in the intrinsic worth of all human beings and the right of each man, woman and child to ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’

Through your efforts, you provide health care for families who can’t afford it, education and training for children without voices to fight for it, and equipment and materials to create home and community for children without families to provide it. Similarly, American society is enriched by the efforts of a multitude of community groups and associations who enthusiastically embrace the shared task of improving their communities together. Americans admire and want to support others who do the same, and do so by funding projects like yours. This presentation today recognizes the compassion and commitment, the spirit and energy you bring to your work.

I am particularly pleased that our birthday gift today directly benefits the children of Lebanon, for they are the future of the country. I hope that the children here today can celebrate each of their birthdays with the security of feeling loved and cared for and with belief in their potential to succeed. My hope is that the country they grow up in—a secure, sovereign and unified Lebanon—will offer employment for their talents and energies, a government responsive to their needs, and an environment of tolerance that celebrates diversity and encourages dialogue. The United States believes that there is no better way to celebrate its own freedom and independence than by joining with others who share a commitment to achieving a brighter future for their own people. Thank you for celebrating with us today.

Check Preentation

I am pleased to present a check for $47,000 to Al Ahliah School to purchase equipment to develop its special needs education program with a resource room and library. USAID’s assistance provides funds for audio-visual and library materials and Braille computers for the visually impaired children. The school accommodates 360 students, and has integrated a special needs education program into its curriculum, targeting children with learning disabilities and visually impaired students.

I am pleased to present a check for $40,000 to Saint Elie School and Orphanage to improve the institution’s dormitory and living sections, kitchen facilities and a computer room. The institution accommodates 280 children from throughout Lebanon who do not have families to care for them. USAID’s contribution will help strengthen the institution’s humanitarian and educational services.

I am pleased to present a check for $50,000 to the Child and Mother Welfare Society to procure medical equipment for the hospital’s diagnostic and surgical facilities. The hospital serves 9,000 patients a year with low cost services. USAID’s assistance will directly benefit at least three patients per week.

I am pleased to present a check for $48,000 to the Father Robert Institute to improve the facilities for hearing impaired and deaf adolescent boarding students, enhance its speech therapy and auditory training classrooms and procure specialized materials. Located in Sehaile in Keserwan, the institute addresses the needs of hearing impaired children and youth in Lebanon. The institute serves 110 students a year from throughout Lebanon with programs in early education, specialized education, and vocational training for the hearing impaired.