Consuls general, other diplomats honored
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BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF.
Consuls general and other diplomats representing more than 90 countries joined with elected officials from the Los Angeles area to attend an evening celebration honoring the Los Angeles Consular Corps. The Church's Southern California Public Affairs Council hosted the event on Friday, June 5.
Keith Atkinson, the North America West Director of Public Affairs welcomed the guests. He said, "We have been privileged to work with many of your consulates and embassies in helping to facilitate numerous humanitarian aid efforts around the world. Through this association, we have recognized the great work that the Los Angeles Consular Corps does for its communities and people. We dedicate this evening as a celebration in your honor."
The Honorable Mary Nyambura Kamau, Consul General of Kenya, accepted a proclamation from the Los Angeles City Council honoring the contributions of the Los Angeles Consular Corps to the community. She expressed gratitude for the proclamation on behalf of the 101 consulates that comprise the Los Angeles Consular Corps, which she said has one of the largest memberships in the world.
In addition to the proclamation presentation, those attending viewed a display of the Church's numerous humanitarian aid projects around the world, enjoyed a buffet dinner and listened to music performed by David Benoit and Christopher Cross.
Los Angeles City Council member Tom LaBonge spoke of the significance of the evening saying, "We're grateful that the Church hosted this spectacular evening in the historic Beverly Hilton to recognize the Los Angeles Consular Corps. These consuls come to our country, stay for four to five years, and provide an important service to our communities. This is an opportunity to strengthen relationships between the city, the consuls and the LDS Church."
Also in attendance were Elder John B. Dalton, Area Seventy; Los Angeles City Council members Jan Perry and Dennis Zine; and Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca.
Ingrid Hirstin Lazcano, the event organizer, explained the purpose of the occasion. "This was a wonderful opportunity for the consuls to come together outside of their regular consulate duties to be honored by the City of Los Angeles and the Church," she said. "Through these events, they are able to learn more about what our Church does in their countries and it also gives us the opportunity to build bridges of friendship and greater understanding with the many countries they represent."
