The city of Lancaster receives proclamation for its contributions made to the community by refugees. Lancaster council members proclaim June 2oth World Refugee Day 2014. Sunday, at Long’s Park, in Lancaster, people came out to celebrate with a picnic. Lancaster County has an increasing diverse population base, with over 30 countries represented in recent arrivals, including Sudan, Cuba and Burma.
Ellen Willenbecher is the resource developer with Lutheran Refugee Services. She says (it’s important to) “Honor and affirm their resilience and courage and strength of refugees who are forced to flee their home country out of a well founded fear of prosecution, human rights, abuse, genocide and torture.
Willenbecher says Sunday’s event is also a chance to celebrate the refugees’ new lives and their ability to thrive in this community.