July 15th, 2009

LEBANON DAY IN OTTAWA

On the 15th of July 2009, the Lebanese flag was displayed at the Police Headquarters in Ottawa on 474 Elgin Street, in an official ceremony arranged by the "Ottawa Police Service" in coordination with the Lebanese Embassy in Ottawa.

The ceremony was hosted and presided by Deputy Chief of Police Gilles LaRochelle. Staff Sergeant John Medeiros made a presentation explaining the purpose of the "Ottawa Police Banner and Flag" program.

In his speech, Deputy Chief La Rochelle spoke about the importance of the Lebanese community, its contributions to the Canadian society and its partnership with the Ottawa Police.

Councilor Elias El-Chantiry, Chair of the Police Services Board and himself a prominent Lebanese Canadian, highlighted the importance of this program and the role of the Ottawa Police in promoting good relations with the different communities.

In his remarks, Ambassador Massoud Maalouf thanked the Ottawa Police for this important initiative and spoke about the significant contributions of the Lebanese Community in the society. H.E. also mentioned that Lebanese-Canadians are a vibrant and active community, not only in quantity but also in quality.

Then the Deputy Police Chief, together with Mr. El-Chantiry and Ambassador Maalouf, unfolded the Lebanese Flag that will be flying in the Police Headquarters until the end of July, and cut the cake featuring the Lebanese flag and the Ottawa Police Coat of Arms.

At the end of the ceremony, the Very Reverend Archpriest Ghattas Hajal, of the St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, invited all the persons present at the ceremony to attend the opening of the Lebanese Festival scheduled to take place later in the evening.

The Embassy of Lebanon would like to thank the Ottawa Police and Councilor Elias El-Chantiry for this excellent initiative.