The Lebanese Information Center (LIC) honors May Chidiac in Washington, DC
On Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008, the LIC organized a reception for prominent Lebanese journalist Ms. May Chidiac at the Georgetown Inn Hotel in the US capital.
A distinguished crowd for an exceptional figure
A distinguished crowd came to honor Ms. Chidiac including the US Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Near Eastern Affairs Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, Lebanon”s Ambassador to the United States Mr. Antoine Chedid, in addition to the pillars of the Lebanese Embassy in Washington, DC, prominent journalists and representatives of Policy Institutes, as well as leaders of the March 14 factions in the American Capital and eminent members of the Lebanese Diaspora.
Following a welcoming message pronounced by the Lebanese Forces responsible of the Washington, DC Chapter, Mr. Nabil Chaoul; the President of the LIC, Dr. Joseph Gebeily, presented May Chidiac enumerating the multiple factors and the unique qualities that make her a symbol for the freedom of expression and an unstoppable shiny voice of reason in the darkness of oppression.
May Chidiac: "The Lebanese people have to make the right choice in the upcoming elections"
The "Butterfly of the Lebanese Television" addressed an enthusiastic crowd, stating the difficult stages that she lived through as a consequence of the continuous struggle of Lebanon due to the various external poisonous interventions, stating that such interventions are facilitated by the shortsightedness fuelled by the selfishness of some Lebanese politicians in addition to the short memory of their blind followers. Moreover, May considered that the changing positions of some political figures in Beirut contribute to overlooking the sacrifices of the people of Lebanon and even lead to the negligence of the blood of their dear martyrs. Also, the host of the famous political talk show "Bikoll Jora”a (With Audacity)" that airs on the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation (LBC) added that the danger of Lebanon”s so-called "neighbors" still threatens the stability of the Land of the Cedars on a daily basis in an attempt to hamper the achievements of the 2005 Cedar Revolution. Furthermore, the courageous Lebanese journalist underlined the importance of the decision that the Lebanese people will face in the upcoming parliamentary elections, as they will have to choose between the coalition for a stronger Lebanese government that is coupled with more responsible Lebanese Army and security forces that would have the exclusive right to weapon possession on Lebanese soil on one hand; and between the state-within-the-state project that aims to intimidate the Lebanese government in an implementation of a non-Lebanese political agenda on the other hand.
Besides, May”s speech was followed by a series of questions from an audience that eagerly wanted to learn about the stories behind the scenes and the expectations in relation to their beloved homeland. In a packed hotel ballroom, everyone shared May”s pains, and declared their deep sympathy with her and their solidarity with the free people of Lebanon who are anxiously waiting for concrete results by the International Special Tribunal that would condemn the enemies of Lebanon whose will is to continue the country”s oppression through atrocious attempts such as the one that targeted May Chidiac in September 2005. Nevertheless, the strength and the courage of May inspired the attendees as she declared her willingness to continue her fight for a free, sovereign and independent Lebanon despite all threats and dangers. The optimism of May Chidiac and her deep attachment to her country”s cause were repetitively applauded by the crowd in a realization that the strength of the word and the will of the mind can overcome the violence of the bombs and the evil of the crimes.
The reception further witnessed Lieutenant Elie Rejeily offer an honorary coin to the "Living Martyr" in the name of the Fairfax County Police Department.