The Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, addressed military personnel on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, saying: "O soldiers, on the 80th anniversary of independence, we evoke the meanings of sacrifice and freedom, and we return in spirit to radiant moments that narrate to generations the story of a homeland whose name is etched in the depths of history, and the struggle waged by our ancestors who saw in Lebanon a final homeland that embraces their dreams and the future of their children, for which they sacrificed dearly to protect and maintain.
"O soldiers, our country faces challenge after challenge throughout its modern history, in a region suffering from turmoil, bloody conflicts, and ongoing unrest. Today, we stand before a very dangerous scene, as the Israeli enemy continues to commit the most heinous and bloodiest massacres unprecedentedly against the Palestinian people, reiterating its assaults on the sovereignty of our homeland and our people in the southern border villages and towns, using internationally prohibited munitions, alongside its ongoing occupation of Lebanese territories.
"At the same time, Lebanon faces serious challenges on various levels, which negatively reflect on state institutions, including the military institution, which today stands at a pivotal and sensitive stage amid political disputes. The supreme national interest necessitates not undermining it, ensuring its continuity, cohesion, and maintaining the morale of its soldiers.
"O soldiers, in the face of these difficulties, hopes remain pinned on you, and eyes are fixed on the achievements you have accomplished. Despair has not known a path to you because you have remained armed with high morale, an unbreakable will, and unwavering determination. You stand against the Israeli enemy in the south, coordinating with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, exhausting your utmost energies to prevent the situation from deteriorating and the consequences that may arise for the residents of the border areas. You are also deployed along the border, combating smuggling and illegal infiltration of displaced persons, which poses an existential threat to the Lebanese entity, executing complex missions to pursue terrorist cells, organized crime, apprehending drug traffickers and those who disturb security.
"You maintain stability, civil peace, and coexistence, undeterred by campaigns of skepticism and accusations, for they are flimsy and fall short before your sacrifices. It is essential in this context to remember our honorable martyrs and heroic wounded who watered the soil of the homeland with their pure blood.
"O soldiers, your steadfastness and sacrifices are among the most important factors of strength for the Lebanese people. Continue to carry out your duties and maintain the readiness of the military institution to remain present to confront the challenges and developments in this difficult phase, and the dangers threatening Lebanon, foremost of which is the Israeli enemy. Hold on to the sanctity of your mission because therein lies the salvation of our country. We will remain the shield of the homeland and its fence, defending our people and repelling the evil of enemies, so that our proud flag remains a symbol of our bright legacy."
