President's Day
US CONSULATE GENERAL IN DHAHRAN HOSTS A
PRESIDENTS’ DAY RECEPTION
The Ambassador of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Ford M. Fraker, hosted a Presidents’ Day Reception at the US Consulate General in Dhahran on Tuesday, February 24.
Presidents’ Day is a celebration of the birthdays of two American presidents: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Washington, who led American forces to victory over the British in the American revolutionary war, became the first president of the United States in 1789 and was known for refusing all honorific titles, insisting that he be called only “Mr. President”—a very unusual move for a head of state in the 18th century. Abraham Lincoln, a self-taught lawyer from an impoverished background, led the United States during the US civil war 1861-1865 and is known as “The Great Emancipator” for ordering African-Americans freed from the bonds of slavery in 1863.
The reception was attended by a number of people from many sectors in the Eastern Province, including prominent government officials, businessmen, and media representatives. Consul General Joseph Kenny welcomed guests and made remarks about the significance of the holiday. Ambassador Fraker highlighted key aspects of the US-Saudi partnership in the Eastern Province and reflected on his term as US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.