The city of Sidon, the gateway to the south, was set to celebrate Kuwait's National Day, marked under the slogan "Kuwait's Mercy Convoys," which included 225 trucks of aid presented as a "gift from the people of Kuwait." This initiative targeted 23 countries and was organized by the "Sustainable Development Generation" and "Global Mercy" associations. The celebration took place at the American University of Science and Technology (AUST) stadium in Sidon, where aid was distributed to needy families in Sidon and its vicinity. Families attended to join Kuwait in its celebration and to extend congratulations to the Kuwaiti people and their leadership, despite the challenging circumstances surrounding them. Smiles and joy were evident on the faces of these families and children, who sang and chanted for Kuwait, while women offered blessings for Kuwait and prayed for a long life and success for His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad, the Emir, and His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad, the Crown Prince, whose images adorned the celebration and the main stage.
The event opened with the national anthems of Lebanon and Kuwait, followed by a speech from the Executive Director of the "Generation" Association, Hiba Markaz, who emphasized that "the fingerprints of Kuwaiti goodwill are clearly visible in Lebanon and various regions, serving as a testament to the brotherhood Kuwait holds for Lebanon and its people, despite all circumstances and challenges." Markaz praised the Kuwaiti mercy and the "Kuwait Mercy Convoys," which embody all meanings of humanity and compassion on the Kuwaiti National Day, asserting that nations are built on goodness, mercy, love, and generosity. She stated, "All respect to Kuwait and its people, and to the Kuwaiti Mercy Association, which launched the Mercy Convoys on Kuwaiti National Day, targeting 23 countries, with Lebanon receiving 24 trucks of aid. The Generation Association received 4 of them, distributing assistance to poor and needy families in Sidon and its surroundings. The aid included baby formula, medicines, first aid supplies, diapers, neonatal care equipment, health bags for pregnant women, and food baskets comprising chicken, vegetables, and rice to prepare a Kuwaiti meal. Additionally, there was a mobile kitchen distributing Kuwaiti meals on the occasion to families, as well as a first aid vehicle overseeing the families' health aspects and providing medical advice, alongside a convoy of toys for children."
She added, "We wanted to celebrate Kuwait's National Day in Sidon with our brothers in Kuwait, whom we also consider family; Lebanon and Kuwait are twins. Kuwait has stood by Lebanon and continues to do so despite all circumstances and challenges, extending a helping hand to Lebanon and its people. We express our gratitude to Kuwait and the Mercy Association for this unique initiative that embodies the meanings of humanity and kindness. Lebanon will never forget Kuwait's support, and we will remain loyal to our brothers in Kuwait."
She confirmed that after the celebration, the convoys departed for refugee camps in the Bekaa Valley and the displaced Syrians in various Lebanese areas, including direct visits to families to ensure the aid reaches those in need.
Afterward, several children performed dances for the occasion, waving Kuwaiti flags with joy and gratitude for the people of Kuwait, praying for goodness, health, and wellness for His Highness the Emir, His Highness the Crown Prince, and to all those who contributed to supporting this campaign from the benevolent people of Kuwait.
