Heikal on the Army’s 81st Anniversary: “Our homeland will rise only with a strong, capable and cohesive army”

On the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the Lebanese Army, Army Commander General Rodolphe Heikal addressed service members with the “Order of the Day,” stressing that the military institution will remain the nation’s safety valve despite the security, economic and logistical challenges it faces, and emphasizing that the army will continue to carry out its national duties with full commitment — from protecting the borders and combating terrorism and crime to completing its deployment in the south in line with existing understandings, while remaining ready to deploy in areas vacated by the Israeli occupation.

Heikal noted that the ongoing Israeli attacks and violations are obstructing the army’s efforts, while underscoring the importance of strengthening the military institution’s capabilities and benefiting from the support of sisterly and friendly countries, given that supporting the army constitutes an investment in Lebanon’s stability and the security of the region.

He also stressed that the army command continues to work to preserve the rights of military personnel and improve their conditions, calling on service members to remain faithful to their oath and steadfast in carrying out their national mission, and affirming that the army will remain the guarantor of security and civil peace and will not allow the country to be dragged into strife.

Army Commander General Rodolphe Heikal said in the Order of the Day marking the 81st Army Day:

“Military personnel... On August 1, we proudly and honorably recall the army’s journey over 81 years of giving, sacrifice and loyalty, and we renew our pledge to the homeland that you have safeguarded with your blood and sacrifices. We bow in reverence before the souls of our righteous martyrs, who gave the most precious thing they possessed in defense of Lebanon, and we salute our heroic wounded, as well as all those who preceded us in serving the الوطن among our retirees, who fulfilled their duty with honor and sincerity.”

“Military personnel... The challenges and dangers facing our homeland are increasing, and the army remains committed to carrying out all its missions despite the great difficulties posed by limited resources, the magnitude of the tasks and the sensitivity of the circumstances — from controlling the northern and eastern borders and monitoring the maritime borders and territorial waters, to combating terrorism, organized crime and drug trafficking, and preventing smuggling. This comes as the army continues completing its deployment in the south in accordance with existing understandings and in line with national requirements and constants, while continuing its efforts to ensure the safe return of our people to their villages and towns, and maintaining readiness to deploy in all occupied areas from which the Israeli occupation forces withdraw. However, the occupation persists in attacks and ongoing violations to obstruct the army’s efforts.”

“The scale of these missions requires strengthening the military institution’s capabilities and enabling it to confront challenges, while benefiting from cooperation with sisterly and friendly countries, especially since supporting the army is an investment in Lebanon’s stability and the region’s security. Pending the fulfillment of support pledges in a manner commensurate with the required missions and the scale of responsibilities, military personnel are redoubling their efforts to overcome these difficulties and perform their duty out of faith in their mission. We will also seek to develop our own capabilities, a process we have already begun, with the aim of reaching the highest possible level of self-sufficiency.”

“Military personnel... I deeply value the efforts you are making and the burdens you are bearing as a result of the current circumstances. I am proud of you because you set the example in discipline, dedication and loyalty to the homeland. I assure you that the army command is working to preserve your rights and will spare no effort in standing by your side with all the means available to the institution. It will continue to press the relevant authorities to grant the rights befitting your sacrifices and those of your families.”

“The army’s strength stems from your unity and from the Lebanese people rallying around you, and our homeland will rise only with a strong, capable and cohesive army, drawing its strength from your faith in your country. From here, I call on you to remain steadfast and hold fast to your oath, and never hesitate to give everything precious in defense of Lebanon and its people.”

“Know that the trust the Lebanese place in you is the fruit of your sacrifices and your professional performance, and that each one of you represents the Lebanese people in all their diversity and embodies the image of one Lebanon. Hold fast to your oath, and spare no effort in carrying out your duty. Thanks to you, the military institution will remain the guarantor of security and civil peace, and it will not allow stability to be shaken or the homeland to be dragged into strife.”

“Military personnel... My confidence in you is great, and my certainty in your ability to continue carrying out your mission is firm and unshakable. From your determination and steadfastness, I draw the morale that drives me to continue working with you for the advancement of our institution and the protection of our homeland. Persevere with resolve and steadfastness, preserving the mission of honor, sacrifice and loyalty.”