08/05/2026
🇺🇸 Thank You from All Neighbors International 🇺🇸
A Heartfelt Thank You to Everyone Who Made the Independence Celebration Festival 2026 a Great Success!
On behalf of All Neighbors International, I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who attended and supported our Independence Celebration Festival 2026, held at the Ida Lee Recreation Center, Town of Leesburg Parks and Recreation.
This special evening was a beautiful celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, India’s 79th Independence Day, and Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, bringing together people of different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds in a spirit of unity, peace, friendship, and love.
Our mission has always been simple:
“Love Your Neighbor Like Yourself.”
We are thankful to God for allowing us to witness Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and friends from many communities gathering together as one family.
Special Appreciation
We are deeply honored by the presence and support of:
* Dr. Joe Knight – President, 4Ethne Organization
* Rev. Canon Jim Craft – Confessing Anglican Church
* Geary Higgins – Former Member, Virginia House of Delegates, District 30
* Henry C. Eickelberg – Treasurer, Loudoun County, Virginia
* Dr. Chris Gnanakan – Professor of Global Theology, Liberty University
* Rizwan Jaka – ADAMS Interfaith/Government/Scouts/ACHN Health Clinic Chair
* Anwer Qasmi – President, Washington AMPAK; CEO Club Ambassador, Washington, D.C.
* Vikram R. Iyer – Outreach Representative for U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner
* Christian Yohannes – Outreach Representative for Congressman Suhas Subramanyam
* Syed Akhtar Alam – ADAMS Interfaith Co-Leader
* Sergeant Aaron Vescovi – Leesburg Police Department
* Ionela Manown – Loudoun County Fire & Rescue Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Specialist
* Imam Barzan Rashid – Kurdish American Community, Harrisonburg, Virginia
* Fakera Nazneen – Muslim Interfaith Community Member
* Victor Ghalib Begg – Muslim Interfaith Leader and Author
* Charles Stevenson – Catholic Community Member, ADAMS
* Pastor Chester Mitchell – Capital Community Church
* Ochgerel Batmunkh – Sterling Volunteer Fire Department
* Humera Subzwari – ADAMS Interfaith Team Member
* Owais Subzwari – ADAMS Interfaith Team Member
* Aparna Madireddi – Member, Board of Directors, Virginia Humanities
* Kamlesh Shah – Chairman, United Hindu and Jain Temples Association, Washington, D.C.
* DeAnthony – DMV Zion Church
Special Thanks to Our Outstanding Event Leadership Team
Our sincere appreciation goes to:
* Fakera Nazneen
* Rohma
* Pastor Ayub Sabir
Your dedication, leadership, and countless hours of service helped make this event a tremendous success.
Certificates of Recognition
We were honored to recognize the dedicated service of:
* Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
* Leesburg Police Department
* Loudoun Fire & Rescue
* Sterling Volunteer Fire Company
* Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad
* Ashburn Fire & Rescue
* Loudoun Emergency Management
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to protecting and serving our community.
Special Acknowledgment
Although we were unable to present “250 Years of Service, Sacrifice, and the American Story” due to unexpected technical difficulties, we sincerely thank Master Sergeant Pamela Keegan (United States Air Force, Retired) for creating this outstanding presentation.
Originally developed for American Legion Post 2001 in commemoration of America’s 250th Anniversary, this presentation is an inspiring tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the American people.
Thank You
Finally, thank you to every volunteer, sponsor, donor, community leader, faith leader, first responder, performer, photographer, media partner, and every guest who joined us.
Your presence reminded us that unity is stronger than division, friendship is stronger than fear, and love is stronger than hatred.
Together, we are building bridges of understanding, respect, and lasting friendship among all people.
May God continue to bless America, Pakistan, India, and all nations with peace, freedom, and hope.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Ilyas Masih
Founder & President
All Neighbors International
“Love Your Neighbor Like Yourself.” ❤️
