In a message on the occasion of the 78th anniversary, Army Commander General Joseph Aoun recalled the sacrifices of the military personnel, armed with an unwavering will over the complexities and challenges of the past seventy-eight years. He stated, "We see the military institution continuing its duty to ensure security and civil peace with determination, despite the recent years filled with difficulties and the living conditions weighing heavily on the military as well as on all Lebanese. We realize that our efforts, sacrifices, and the blood of our martyrs and wounded are always directed in the right direction, serving the national interest above all else."
He added, "O soldiers, Lebanon has witnessed successive events during the past period, which have had repercussions on more than one level, both internally and externally. You have set an example in willpower, resilience, and concern for the lives of Lebanese people, by diffusing tensions and pursuing those endangering security in various areas with the highest degrees of professionalism, transparency, integrity, and discipline, unfazed by campaigns of defamation and rumors. You stand firm at the southern borders facing the Israeli enemy, and you continue to execute your operational missions in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, according to UN Resolution 1701 and its provisions, confronting the threat of terrorism and thwarting its destructive plans."
He pointed out that "the leadership of the army continues to exert its utmost efforts to alleviate the burden of the crisis on you, and to secure your rights based on the great trust enjoyed by the military institution both domestically and from friendly countries. This trust has manifested in several concrete steps in the past phase, including assistance provided from these countries, as well as from Lebanese residing domestically and abroad, who see the army as the primary guarantor of Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability."
He concluded by saying, "O soldiers, rest assured that what you expend in sweat and blood is the primary reason for the survival of the homeland for which all sacrifices are worth. Hold on to the oath you have taken, and know that your resilience will undoubtedly lead to the salvation of our nation and its recovery from its crisis so that it can regain its role and shine."
On the occasion of the Army Martyrs' Anniversary, Aoun laid a wreath at the Martyrs' Monument at the Ministry of National Defense, honoring their pure souls and appreciating their significant sacrifices in maintaining civil peace and the unity, sovereignty, and independence of Lebanon.
