It is no secret that Lebanon prides itself on its Army and each individual belonging to the national institution.
August 1st is an annual way of honoring our army, and this year marks its 77th anniversary.
Despite Lebanon’s crumbling economy and ongoing inflation, the public sector workers, including the military soldiers, are still being paid in Lebanese Lira.
However, the Lebanese soldiers still fulfill their duties of serving and protecting despite the circumstances, abiding by their motto: “Honor, Sacrifice, Loyalty.”
As the 77th anniversary of the Lebanese Army approaches, here are 8 quotes by Gebran Khalil Gebran, one of the most memorable and timeless Lebanese writers, to honor its sacrifices, its loyalty, and its patriotism.
The Power Of Sacrifice
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”
Seared with the scars of its constant sacrifices and hardships, the Lebanese Army remains proudly strong and more adamant than ever to serve and protect. It has prevailed through times and conflicts, making the nation proud.
The Importance Of Freedom
“Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.”
Lebanon owes its liberty to its army, which has preserved its steadiness and stood its ground amid political and armed conflicts and schisms. That freedom to be is priceless, a prevailing Lebanese spirit bred in and for this sacred land of the Cedars, and none other.
This couldn’t have been possible without the relentless efforts and constant sacrifices of the Lebanese Army, in the past as in the present.
The Ongoing Sacrifice For The Country
“Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.”
During these hard times, soldiers are bearing the consequences of the dire economic crisis while remaining loyal to their country and duties. A generosity the nation duly honors.
77 years and counting and the best is yet to come
“Time has been transformed, and we have changed; it has advanced and set us in motion; it has unveiled its face, inspiring us with bewilderment and exhilaration.”
Lebanon has changed with time and so has its army evolved and strengthened while remaining the pillar that holds this country anchored on its sacred ground, infusing the nation with trust, hope, and a sense of security.
Loyalty and Sacrifice
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
There is no greater sacrifice than dedicating your life to serving your homeland and protecting your people. In a country always shaken by conflicts and crises, the Lebanese army’s unconditional giving to this land is outstanding and deserves recognition.
Love for the country
“Work is love made visible. And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy.”
It takes great love for one’s country to dedicate your life to serving it, and it takes even more love to continue your service regardless of the ongoing economic situation.
Duty And Honor
“Safeguarding the rights of others is the most noble and beautiful end of a human being.”
For our peace and safety, they risk their own, putting their precious lives on the line, bearing the scars to safeguard our country as a whole, from its land to its natural beauty and resources.
Generosity in sacrifices
“Generosity is not giving me that which I need more than you do, but it is giving me that which you need more than I do.”
The Lebanese Army has stood through times and tides with an unrelenting devotion to the standards of duty, courage, and honor. It represents the strong and generous character of a nation that has given so much through history to keep the country united and free from oppression.
