By Abdisalam Garjeex

Today, I got the opportunity to visit Ambassador Ahmed Awad and the newly opened Somalia’s Embassy at Farragut Square in Washington, DC. It took me a 10 minute subway ride from my work location in SW of Washington, DC.

When I entered the building, I saw Somali Washingtonians voluntarily working to decorate the Embassy and lay beautiful furniture. Not only had they volunteered their time, but also their money.

The new Embassy is in the third floor in a small suite, but modest; its location is in front of the famous Mayflower hotel, known for hosting dignitaries and Presidents; Mayflower was the ship that transported first English Pilgrims and settlers to the new world in 1620.

H.E Ambassador Awad is well liked by the Somali Washington metro community and in perfect position to serve the interest of a fledgling nation. He told me that he will be holding a reception for a grand opening on the last week of November where Congressmen, dignitaries and Somali community will participate for flag raising and banquets.

Somalia didn’t have a representation in Washington, DC for over 25 years. When I visited the Embassy today, it nostalgically reminded me 31 years ago when I last visited the then former Somali Embassy at Watergate Building, a historic landmark during Nixon era. I went there to renew my passport, so I can go back to Somalia after four years stay in upstate New York , State University of New York, College at New Paltz – it was also a moment of reminiscing the glory days when we were a sovereign country and a respected member of world communities. I took few photos with the Ambassador in his office.

The Somali Embassy is next to the ABC News Washington bureau office, fortunately, on my way back to the metro while crossing the street, I recognized the ABC News Senior correspondent, Pierre Thomas, a respected African American journalist – we shake hands together and told him that I’m one of his admirers; he was delighted and thanked me.Had it not been a raining day, I would have asked him his autograph or photo with him.

Around 1:00pm, I concluded my visit and came back to my office.

Abdisalam Garjeex
Email: amabdulle@hotmail.com
Ashburn, Virginia (USA)