A Great Man’s Legacy
By Mr. Maroun Kamel Daher, President of Assad Abood Foundation.
Assad Abood’s many contributions to Aitanit can not be measured by any amount of money. It can be only measured by the amount of love he carried for his village and its people. As a young man, he emigrated to the States taking with him is youthful ambitions. When he became successful, he thought of sharing his fortunes with his town’s people. Although he wasn’t as rich in money as of the Émigrés of his time, he was rich in love and caring.
Assad Abood realized the needs of his village, which at the time was lacking in many areas. He brought the luxury of water and electricity to every house in Aitanit. The fountain in the village square in itself stands as a monument for this great man. It has become the favorite spot for everybody to sit and chat with each other. It has also become a landmark for visitors, where they can enjoy the fresh cold water as well as the shade and breeze it affords on hot days. Mr. Abood also built the public cemetery to insure the proper burial for those who couldn’t afford their own mausoleums.
Yet most unforgettable and thoughtful of all was his gift of free education, the gift that keeps on giving, day after day, year after year
The school stands evidence of the love of one man which extends to generations of his native people. The school was later expanded to take in those from the surrounding areas, who were seeking high quality education and discipline, for certain amount of tuition. During the sixteen years of Civil War, the foundation established itself as a symbol of unity and fraternity in an unstable and divided land.
Assad Abood depended on a few of his friends and colleagues in the States to volunteer their helping bringing his grand idea of the Foundation to see the light of day. Through their coordinated efforts with some individuals in Aitanit, the Foundation came to be. Most notable is the Foundation’s acting secretary and treasurer, Mr. Henry Creidy , who for years has been devoted to giving of his time and effort to keep the affairs of the school running as smoothly as possible. This shouldn’t make little of the efforts of all the others who gave and continue to give of their valuable time and resources.
As the acting president of the Foundation, I would like to extend my warmest heartfelt to Mr. Crediy and I ask God to give him the strength to keep on giving. I would also like to thank the Antonine Nuns for their administration and their caring over the fifty years of the school’s existence. My thanks also to go to those in charge of the maintenance of the building who are keeping it as beautiful as can be. The annual scholarship given by Mr. David Rahal are deeply appreciated by the administration and the student body as well.
Out team of teachers, of course, has our deepest felt gratitude for they are the real foundation on which our school is based. The continued success of our students over the years stand as a tribute to their caring and devotion. Ever since the school was built, our graduating students have gone to the most prestigious schools and universities in Lebanon and abroad. We are proud to see successful physicians, lawyers, engineers, teachers and other professionals who had their beginning in Assad Abood Foundation, and there is a whole lot of them. We hope that our students continue to provide a fine example of hard work and great achievement.
My best wishes for the continued success of our school and may its light keep shining to lead the way to a brighter future. And finally, may the legacy of Assad Abood continue for generations to come.
This speech was pronounced
by Mr. Maroun Daher President of “Assad Abood Foundation” on the 50th
Anniversary of Aitanit school existence and was published in the “Assad Abood
Foundation” special publication.
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