A Celebration of Leadership and the American Spirit at the Library of Congress

On behalf of French Quarter Magazine, our Washington, D.C. correspondent, Dr. Bruno Mazali, had the distinct honor of attending one of the capital's most distinguished gatherings of the summer: Project Legacy's "Celebrate America 250" Gala, held on July 14, 2026, at the magnificent Library of Congress. Conceived as part of the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, the evening brought together members of Congress, business leaders, philanthropists, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and civic figures whose lives reflect the ideals upon which the United States was founded. 

There are few venues more symbolic than the Library of Congress for such an occasion. As the nation's largest repository of knowledge and one of Washington's architectural treasures, it provided an elegant backdrop for an evening dedicated not only to honoring individual achievement, but also to reflecting upon the values that have shaped the American experiment over nearly two and a half centuries.

The program unfolded throughout the historic building with a cocktail reception, awards presentations, a panel discussion in the Great Hall, a formal dinner, and remarks from prominent elected officials and invited guests. The evening featured an invocation by Rabbi Saul J. Kassin, keynote remarks by Eric Trump, and congressional addresses by Senator Rand Paul and Representatives Rich McCormick and Jim Jordan. 

Unlike many gala dinners that celebrate accomplishment solely through business success, Project Legacy's gathering sought to highlight leadership in its broadest sense. Entrepreneurship, philanthropy, public service, innovation, humanitarian engagement, and international cooperation were recurring themes throughout the evening. The organizers framed the event as an opportunity to recognize individuals whose careers embody the enduring principles of opportunity, perseverance, and civic responsibility that continue to define the American narrative. 

The guest list reflected this ambition. Elected officials shared the evening with executives, technology innovators, healthcare pioneers, international investors, nonprofit leaders, and philanthropists from across the United States and abroad. Their diverse backgrounds illustrated one of America's defining characteristics: the ability to bring together people of different cultures, faiths, and experiences around a shared commitment to progress and public service.

Among those recognized was Phil Friedman, founder and Executive Chairman of Computer Generated Solutions (CGS), who received the United States Golden Jubilee Visionary Award in recognition of five decades of entrepreneurship and innovation. Having built CGS into a global technology company serving clients around the world, Friedman was honored not only for his business achievements but also for his longstanding philanthropic engagement and support for educational and civic institutions. 

Healthcare leadership was equally prominent. Morris Oiring, founder of The Oiring Group, was recognized for his work transforming healthcare delivery while combining business leadership with charitable initiatives supporting seniors, education, and community development. His career reflects a philosophy that economic success should ultimately improve people's lives rather than exist as an end in itself. 

International cooperation also occupied an important place in the evening's narrative. Kamel Ghribi, founder and chairman of GK Investment Holding Group and a leading figure in global healthcare partnerships, received the Global Leadership Award for advancing healthcare access and sustainable development across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. His career exemplifies how private enterprise can become a vehicle for diplomacy and humanitarian cooperation. 

The gala further celebrated international friendship through awards recognizing contributions to relations between the United States and partner nations. Nigerian entrepreneur Tein T.S. Jack-Rich received the United States–Africa Friendship Award for his work in energy, education, and youth empowerment, while Saudi business leader Nawaf Al Sharif was honored with the United States–Saudi Friendship Award, recognizing leadership rooted in innovation, sustainability, and economic development. 

History itself remained an important thread throughout the evening. Allen Azoulay received the Emma Lazarus Young Leadership Award for his efforts to preserve and promote Sephardic Jewish heritage and its contribution to American history through education, scholarship, and public engagement. His work serves as a reminder that the story of the United States is inseparable from the many immigrant communities whose experiences have enriched the nation's cultural fabric. 

Several tributes honored individuals whose legacies continue beyond their lifetimes, including World War II veteran and community leader Joseph M. Betesh and entrepreneur Charles Saka, recognizing lives defined by service, philanthropy, and the ability to inspire future generations. 

Throughout the evening, Project Legacy emphasized that the commemoration of America's 250th anniversary should not simply look backward but also forward. The celebration invited guests to consider how leadership, innovation, and civic responsibility might shape the nation's next chapter. Letters of congratulations from members of Congress and international leaders echoed this sentiment, underscoring the gala's broader message: that the American story continues to evolve through those willing to combine professional excellence with public purpose. 

For French Quarter Magazine, the evening also highlighted another theme that resonates deeply with our publication's editorial mission: the importance of dialogue across borders. Although firmly rooted in the celebration of American history, the gala welcomed leaders whose careers span continents and cultures, reflecting the increasingly international character of leadership in the twenty-first century. Business, philanthropy, diplomacy, healthcare, technology, education, and humanitarian work intersected naturally throughout the conversations taking place beneath the magnificent ceilings of the Library of Congress.

For America's semiquincentennial, countless events will commemorate the nation's founding. Yet some gatherings distinguish themselves not through spectacle alone but through the quality of the conversations they inspire. Project Legacy's Celebrate America 250 Gala was one such occasion—an evening that honored achievement while encouraging reflection on the enduring ideals of liberty, opportunity, service, and leadership.

It was a privilege for French Quarter Magazine to be represented among the distinguished guests, witnessing firsthand an event that celebrated not only America's past, but also the individuals helping to shape its future.