November 21, 2009
Dear Friends,
Today we celebrate the 66th anniversary of our Independence. My greetings to you all on this day of national celebration.
Today we take special pride in saluting our beloved Martyrs. Let us recall with pride the great sacrifice of our freedom fighters, whose undying love for Lebanon secured us our freedom.
On this happy occasion join me in saluting the hard work of all our citizens who have, over these 66 years, helped build Lebanon, Let us bow our head in memory of all those brave citizens who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of our unity, integrity and progress.
We must have faith in our strength and confidence in our capabilities. Each of us has our individual identities. However, every citizen must recognize that we are Lebanese, first and last. We often fritter away our time on petty issues and pointless personal differences. I urge all political parties and all political and social leaders to resist the temptation to divide people along narrow lines. Our strength is in our unity, despite our diversity. It is that unity which gave us our Independence. It is that unity that gives us our strength as a nation.
This was the dream of our founding fathers. This was the vision of our Constitution. We should not move away from this vision, and rather must face the future with courage. Laws and constitutions do not by themselves make a country great. It is the enthusiasm, energy and constant effort of a people that make it a great nation.” According to Pope John Paul II: “Lebanon is more than a country - it is a message.”
Let us all come together and work resolutely, devotedly, and with firm conviction for the welfare of our people and the development of our great nation.
Msgr. Alfred Badawi
Our Lady of Lebanon Pastor
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