Aoun Calls on Lebanese to Raise National Flag Ahead of Independence Day
President of the Republic Joseph Aoun called on Lebanese citizens to raise the national flag at their homes, institutions, businesses and schools, particularly from November 20 through November 22, marking Lebanon’s Independence Day.
Aoun stressed that the Lebanese flag symbolizes the country’s unity, sovereignty, dignity and national identity, transcending political and sectarian divisions while embodying Lebanon’s history, sacrifices and aspirations.
Respecting the flag means respecting the homeland. Preserving it is a national duty that reflects our belonging and loyalty to Lebanon, the President said.
His remarks came during a meeting at Baabda Palace with Technical Institute Director Father Charbel Bou Abboud and Administrative Assistant Rita Sfeir, who presented a voluntary national educational initiative titled Preserving the Lebanese Flag.
Father Bou Abboud explained that the initiative aims to promote respect for the national flag and establish standardized procedures for its proper handling, maintenance, display, storage and dignified disposal when damaged.
The initiative also calls for regular inspections of flags displayed at public institutions, schools, municipalities and public spaces, ensuring that torn, faded or deteriorated flags are replaced, particularly following storms and severe weather conditions.
President Aoun welcomed the initiative, praising its objectives and its timing ahead of Flag Day and Independence Day.
The flag is a responsibility entrusted to all of us. Preserving and protecting it is not solely the duty of the state and its institutions, but of every citizen, Aoun said.
He emphasized that honoring the national flag required upholding the values of sacrifice, freedom, dignity and unity that it represents.
Separately, President Aoun met with Environment Minister Tamara El Zein to review environmental affairs and measures undertaken by the ministry to safeguard environmental safety and protect natural resources.
El Zein also briefed the President on her participation in the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science event and a UNESCO conference, along with meetings held on the sidelines of both events.
In another meeting, President Aoun received United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon and Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza.
Discussions focused on the overall situation in Lebanon, particularly developments in southern Lebanon amid continuing Israeli attacks and diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Lebanese state to bring them to an end.
The meeting also addressed ongoing consultations aimed at preventing a potential security vacuum following the conclusion of the operational mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
