Speech of Prof. Salim Daccache s.j., Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hôtel-Dieu de France, on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the Independence Day of Lebanon.

It is a joy today to see the people of Hôtel-Dieu de France come together, its medical and nursing staff, as well as its administrative and operational personnel, to celebrate together, despite its faded outer appearance, the independence whose flame and what it means for sovereignty, prosperity, and love among citizens and unity between them, is still alight, and what happened on October 17, 2019, is a proof that the revolt for full independence remains in minds and souls.  Hearts and souls do not keep from us and do not keep from you the country's condition that you are familiar with and that has been triggered by those to whom we have entrusted the administrative responsibility, our belongings and our identity, as well as the condition of the neglected operational institutions. Therefore, the situation of its workers urges us to be vigilant so that our educational, academic and hospital institutions remain the pillar of this homeland, defending the right of the homeland and all citizens, away from any form of submission and abandonment of our national values! It is a joy that brings us together, yet it is mixed with sorrow and even frustration as we see our sovereignty fall to this point. For sovereignty is not only about preserving borders. In fact, the frontier region is violated by an enemy outside the borders and a friend inside the Lebanese territory. Sovereignty has above all an inviolable character for the people and their economic and social protection, so they are not turned into civil servants and slaves, but on the contrary, they are free and masters, not one over the other, but rather masters over those who want to humiliate and harm them.

Finally, I salute all the martyrs who sacrificed themselves for a land that became a land of peace, especially the martyrs of our noblest Lebanese army and the Lebanese security forces, in addition to the martyrs who struggled to achieve justice, eliminate injustice and eradicate corruption!  Our blood has been shed in abundance for this country, which we will not leave as a prey to the enemies of humanity!

Happy Independence Day and may the heavy clouds disperse so that we can all enjoy the independence days of a beloved homeland and deep-rooted cedars in this land.