Army Commander General Joseph Aoun affirmed that "the army will remain a cornerstone of Lebanon," adding, "We will not allow security to waver, nor will we permit strife or chaos to find their way into our domestic arena, with the hope of crafting political solutions that can save the country and prevent its collapse, so that our youth may regain their trust in our nation and rise again with it, for it deserves them and needs them as they are an invaluable asset. Let the dream of rebuilding Lebanon be stronger than the dream of emigration."
In a statement for the occasion of the seventy-seventh Army Day, he said, "Dear military personnel, seventy-seven years of honor, sacrifice, and loyalty to the land of the cedars, during which the army has sacrificed its finest soldiers as martyrs in defense of the security and stability of Lebanon, as well as the dignity of its people.
A long journey that has witnessed many milestones and challenges, during which the army remained the impregnable fortress and the institution that unites all components of the nation, and the fundamental pillar of the state that is continually beset by crises threatening its existence.
Dear soldiers,
You live in exceptional circumstances, and you suffer like our people from the economic and financial crisis that began nearly three years ago. This crisis, which has escalated recently, has led to paralysis in most sectors of the state and its institutions, producing negative consequences in various fields. Only the military institution remains cohesive and ready to bear its full responsibilities towards its country and people with determination, will, and conviction.
Sacrifice is at the heart of our slogan, and we have made it our way of life that we do not deviate from. We have never let down our people, and we will not let them down no matter how harsh the circumstances and challenges grow. The army will remain a cornerstone of Lebanon. We will not allow security to waver, nor will we permit strife or chaos to find their way into our domestic arena, with the hope of crafting political solutions that can save the country and prevent its collapse, so that our youth may regain their trust in our nation and rise again with it.
Dear soldiers,
You have proven to yourselves, as well as to your leadership and your people, that you are worthy of trust and capable of bearing responsibility. You endure and confront challenges believing in your army and your country. You are deployed across all the territory of the nation, nurturing it with your sweat, just as your martyr and wounded comrades have nourished it with their blood.
Inside as well as along the borders and rugged areas, you stand tall, heroes who do not fear death or crises. You wrestle with flesh and blood for survival and resilience, for Lebanon needs you today more than ever. You face those who bet on your weakness with steadfastness and adherence to your values, your beliefs, and your loyalty to your institution and your country.
You possess the will, which is the secret to the love of your people for you and their trust in you, as well as the trust of the international community. Thanks to this will, the army remains, and Lebanon remains.
Your missions are numerous and complex. Stay ready to face all dangers: the Israeli enemy and its ongoing threats and ambitions regarding our natural resources on one hand, and terrorism that always waits for opportunities to regain its activity on the other. We must not forget the threat that endangers our society and the future of our youth, which is drugs; pursuing its traffickers and promoters will remain in our sights. Our commitment to national issues is essential, our adherence to official positions is imperative, especially regarding the maritime border demarcation file, and our commitment to international resolutions and enhancing cooperation with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon is of utmost importance.
Dear soldiers,
You are the last refuge for our people and the safety valve for our homeland. We will remain faithful to our oath, our martyrs, and our wounded no matter how severe the hardships and trials may be and how great the responsibilities placed on our shoulders. We all have faith and confidence that the crisis will eventually pass. Remaining steadfast in facing it is key to our continuity and resilience. This is our absolute priority, and it will remain so, away from all disputes, accusations, and attempts to drag the institution into squabbles for private and suspicious objectives. What concerns us is the cohesion of the institution and its continued performance of its duties, as well as the security and stability of Lebanon."
