By Hani Albahrani
KUWAIT, May 26 (KUNA) -- In a warm Ramadan night, a galaxy of young Kuwaiti men and women had the opportunity to relive a very special moment in their lives; a tad over quarter-century ago.
Back in 1991, a group of some 104 children had signed a letter to President George H.W. Bush, thanking him for the major role the United States played in liberating their country on February 26th of that year.
Around 15 members of that group gathered at the residence of US Ambassador to Kuwait Lawrence Silverman last night for a 'Ghabqa' on their honor and to celebrate yet another special occasion.
A copy of the letter they signed is framed at the Embassy and the original was sent to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, TX, where former President Bush (senior) took a photo with it. This photo was framed and hanged at the Embassy as well.
In remarks on the occasion, Ambassador Silverman voiced "real pleasure" to commemorate the letter inked some 27 years ago.
"I'd like to give a special thanks to Dr. Sarah who organized the letter all those years ago and who helped us connect with many of you here today." Dr. Sarah is the author of the 'thank you' letter and daughter of Abdullah Al-Rakyan; initiator of its idea.
"The first time I saw your letter here at the Embassy, I wondered how many people have had the opportunity to see it over the years. I knew that very few Americans had seen it. We thought that the American people should see your kind gesture to President Bush, thanking him for US support for the liberation of Kuwait and wishing him a Happy Birthday." The 41st US president was born June 12, 1924.
"So we contacted the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Texas and asked if they would like to exhibit the letter for all to see. They were thrilled. From now on, all visitors to the Bush Library will be able to see your letter," Ambassador Silverman noted with a joyous tone.
"As I think you know, President Bush felt US leadership of the coalition to liberate Kuwait was a matter of principle. I still remember seeing how angry he was when he heard the news of the invasion and how his immediate reaction was that, the invasion and occupation 'will not stand'.
"Some 540,000 Americans participated in the effort to help liberate Kuwait, and 148 died in the fight. It was the right thing to do - a matter of principle, as President Bush said," said Silverman, underlining that US commitment to Kuwait's security remains "as strong today as it was then." He told KUNA that he views such letter, signed by "kids" back then, as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries and peoples. "Our relationship has grown stronger since that time, and our cooperation closer." That cooperation makes both Kuwaitis and Americans more secure. It makes this region more secure. It also helps expand economic and educational ties, he stressed.
"We hope that future generations will see your letter and remember the sacrifices you and your families made in the struggle for liberation, as well as the long friendship between our two nations and our peoples.
"The initiative that you took so many years ago showed your character, something that I am sure has guided your lives since then," Silverman addressed the audience.
On his part, Mr. Al-Rakyan told KUNA that "showing appreciation" was the drive behind the letter.
"We focused that young school children should be the signatories of the letter as a pure manifestation of gratitude to the role former president Bush Sr. played in liberating Kuwait.
"I will definitely take my children and grandchildren to see the original letter displayed in George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Texas." Jarrah Al-Hindi, now a financial analyst, told KUNA that when he signed the letter some 27 years ago, he was too young to realize the magnitude of its impact on the recipient. But now, and after seeing President Bush's picture with the letter, "I feel proud." Meanwhile, Mohammad Al-Banayan, a telecommunications specialist at Zain Co. said that despite the fact that he was very young at that time; four years old, yet he could recall the sense of excitement he felt after knowing that he took a small part in offering a "nice gesture for a good man." Ambassador Silverman then handed each guest a copy of the photo at the end of the event. (end) hb