Today, Tuesday, Army Commander General Joseph Aoun awarded graduation certificates to officers of the "Martyr Captain Maroun Litaney" course after they completed three years of study at the Military Academy. The graduates numbered 107 officers, consisting of 54 males and 53 females, from the army, the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces, and the General Directorate of State Security. The ceremony took place at the Military Academy in the presence of Major General Toni Saliba, Director General of State Security, Major General Elias Bechara, Director General of Internal Security Forces, and several officers and family members of the graduates.
In his speech, the Army Commander emphasized "the significance of this occasion for the military leadership," despite the absence of an official celebration attended by the President of the Republic due to political circumstances. He congratulated the families of the graduates, asserting that their children are distinguished after succeeding despite the difficult conditions. He also congratulated the graduating officers for overcoming the challenges of training after three years of psychological and physical pressure, in addition to living pressures, which indicates their strong will.
He stressed that "the military academy is fundamental, but the edifice is built and elevated by engaging in military life, which is a long journey filled with difficulties." General Aoun stated, "You are distinguished individuals because you succeeded on your merit; you will carry the responsibility of the homeland and your subordinates on your shoulders, so be worthy of the decisions you will make. Do not allow politics or sectarianism to penetrate among you. Make Lebanon your party and the military uniform your sect. It is not the sects that protect the homeland, but the military institution which is the fortress of Lebanon, and you are the fortress of the institution."
He added, "Your course bore the name of the martyr Captain Maroun Litaney, who preceded you on the path of martyrdom in the Battle of Nahr al-Bared. Thanks to his blood and the blood of our martyrs, we and the homeland are safe. Our martyrs do not die; they live on the day of their martyrdom, as the slogan of the military academy says, and they remain in our thoughts forever."
General Aoun considered that "the army continues to endure and persevere thanks to the determination, faith, and steadfastness of its members," urging the graduates to "maintain the institution so it can preserve Lebanon and prevent it from falling prey to terrorism, drugs, and crime."
He concluded by saying, "I recognize the difficulty of the phase, but soldiers are trained to face similar circumstances, and armies are built to confront major challenges. If another army had undergone the experience of the Lebanese army in recent years, it would not have remained capable of enduring. The leadership is doing everything it can to assist you and stand by you, so be patient to overcome this crisis. You are the foundation of the homeland; the future is in your hands, and the army will be fine thanks to you because it is built on strong foundations."
