UFPID Arranges Historic
Independence Day Celebrations
A Pakistan Link Report
 |
The
emotionally charged Pakistani-American crowd at the
Exposition Park, Los Angeles, 11 August |
Left
to right: Najam Sheraz, Ali Haider and Alamgir |
Los Angeles, CA: The 60th
Pakistan Independence Day celebrations at the Los Angeles
Exhibition Park on August 11 furnished a truly soul-lifting
spectacle. The surging crowd continued to multiply by the
minute. The heavy traffic choked the nearby Kings Blvd as
spirited Pakistanis sped to the park, which caused the parking
lots to overflow, and forced the organizers to permit parking
on nearby lawns.
Each individual in the crowd , which according to some estimates
exceeded 18,000, appeared visibly charged, yet no rowdy
behavior was in evidence. Instead, a rare patriotic fervor
marked the proceedings.
The event generated a great deal of jollity and disciplined
merriment. There were vivid manifestations of the spirit
of Unity, Faith and Discipline, thanks to the splendid arrangements
made by the organizers - United for Pakistan Independence
Day (UFPID). Most members of the community described the
celebrations as “historic” and the “best”
organized in the history of Los Angeles. Accolades for UFPID
followed, and deservedly so.
The speakers included Consul General Syed Ibne Abbas, Deputy
Mayor Arif Alikhan on behalf of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
of Los Angeles, Sheriff Leroy D. Baca of Los Angeles County,
Sheriff Donny Youngblood of Kern County, Assistan Sheriff
Jack Anderson of Orange County; Policy Advisor Jenny Presswals
of Homeland Security; Hollywood celebrity Nancy Cartwright,
the voice of Bart Simpson, of Way to Happiness; et al. Their
messages also appeared in a souvenir magazine published
on the occasion. A few excerpts:
Pictures above: Independence
Day celebrations organized by UFPID at the Exposition
Park in Los Angeles, 11 August 2007 |
Consul General Syed Ibne Abbas:
“… On this historic occasion, I appeal to every
member of the community to come forward to project and promote
Pakistan here in your adopted homeland. We all should build
bridges between our motherland and the adopted country,
the United States of America. We all must have pride in
ourselves as Pakistanis. Let us reiterate today to adhere
to the guiding principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline
and contribute our utmost for making Pakistan a truly modern,
dynamic and democratic Islamic welfare state… I wish
to conclude by congratulating the United for Pakistan Independence
Day (UFPID) for organizing the 60th Independence Day celebrations
in most befitting manner…”
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles: “…I
am pleased to join with other members of the community in
recognizing United for Pakistan Independence Day’s
commitment and dedication to enhancing the diverse Pakistani-American
community and their contribution to the celebration of its
independence…”
Sheriff Leroy D. Baca: “…On behalf of the men
and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,
I applaud your (UFPID) efforts to serve the community by
promoting inter-cultural understanding and increased communication
between the various ethnic groups that comprise our community.
I would also like to offer my heartfelt congratulations
to tonight’s honorees. They have demonstrated a commendable
civic spirit and a steadfast devotion to improving the quality
of life in our community while performing admirably in their
respective arenas…”
Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood: “… The
Pakistani community is an integral segment of America, whose
culture demonstrates a commitment to close community ties
and entrepreneurial leadership. These are ideals on which
America was founded and continue to represent the path toward
making our country a better place to live.”
Entertainment was in plenty with leading restaurants, clothing
vendors, and companies like AT&T and T-Mobil joining
in the fun. Those who attended could also get a chance to
walk away with many free items given away by many of these
vendors, or for a small price could put henna on their hands
or play fun games in the kids area.
Famous Pakistani singers Alamgir, Ali Haider, and Najm Shiraz
electrified the crowd with their performances. Najm stood
out as the best among the trio and was warmly applauded
for his scintillating national songs.
A large number of local artists and bands including Arshad
Ali, Jibran, Silkjive, Pehchaan and Dastan also performed
and were duly applauded. The entertainment also included
dhol performances and a brilliant fashion show staged by
the youth of the community.
Pictures
above: Independence Day celebrations organized by
UFPID at the Exposition Park in Los Angeles, 11 August
2007 |
The United for Pakistan Independence
Day Advisory Committee consisted of Abubakr Vakil, Arif
Mansuri, Atiq Siddiqui, Mubarik Awan, Hamid Malik, Irfan
Murtaza, Jameel Bhatti, Asad Qazi, Samin Faruqi, Shams Hasan,
Syed Ashraf Ali and Waqar Khan.
The Organizing Committee comprised of Ismail Keekeebhai,
Javed Iqbal, Hashir Malik, YKKB, and Sameer Moosani. Both
the committees got invaluable support from a large number
of volunteers, including many youth. The Advisory Committee,
Organizing Committee and volunteers have undoubtedly earned
the gratitude and respect of the community for their painstaking
efforts and admirable planning. The community too demonstrated
impeccable behavior. Thank you all.
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