Young trees replaced the old ones. And the vitality of Yellowstone proved itself to be eternal. And so it is with the American University of Beirut - and all of Lebanon. You suffered through many difficult years of civil war. But the vitality and spirit of Lebanon are as eternal as the forests of Yellowstone.
Life springs from the ashes - and the future is born again.
I mentioned my Lebanese heritage. My grandparents left Lebanon at the turn of the century - and headed for America. They brought their Lebanese culture, cuisine, and spirit with them. I grew up in the large Lebanese- American community in Cleveland, Ohio. I was surrounded by family and friends who re-created for me the Lebanese community my grandparents knew when they were young.