LAF Commander in Chief General Joseph Aoun inaugurated a memorial bearing the names of the martyrs who fell during the Battle of Fajr el-Jouroud (Dawn of the Outskirts) in the town of Ras Baalbek

On the third anniversary of the battle of "Fajr el-Jouroud" (Dawn of the Outskirts), and in honor of the martyrs who fell during the battle and the martyrs killed by the terrorist organization ISIS, LAF Commander in Chief General Joseph Aoun inaugurated a memorial bearing their names in the main square of the town of Ras Baalbek, in the presence of the families of the martyrs and activists from the town and surroundings.

After the monument was unveiled, the parish priest Ibrahim Naamo, delivered a welcome speech. The mayor Munaam Mhanna also spoke and praised the efforts made by LAF at various levels, indicating that the army is the first line of defense for the safety of the homeland, its people, its borders and its territories. The mother of the martyr George Bou Saab gave a speech on behalf of the families of the martyrs.

Then General Aoun delivered a speech:

 On the third anniversary of the battle of "Fajr el-Jouroud" (Dawn of the Outskirts), we return to this good land that was liberated by the will of our people and the sacrifices of our army, recalling the blood that watered its soil, thus generating pride, dignity and freedom.

On August 30, 2017, we closed a painful page of our history with terrorism, but we will not settle and will not allow it to return, even in other ways. Our many responsibilities, which are an honor for us, will not divert our attention from the two enemies, terrorism and the Israeli enemy, who will not relent, awaiting any opportunity.

Our fate as soldiers is to sacrifice to defend our homeland and its dignity. Our martyrs are a badge we carry on our chests, and their blood is a responsibility we carry on our shoulders. Today, we remember the martyrs of the Battle of Fajr el-Jouroud. For their sake, we are gathering to inaugurate a monument that will commemorate their names in the register of honor. Thanks to their sacrifice, our land is returned to us and victory is achieved. Greetings to their souls and condolences to their families. From Ras Baalbek, this dear town, we salute the steadfastness of its people and the souls of its martyrs who fell in its defense.

Since last November, our country has been suffering successive crises, starting from public protests, the deteriorating economic situation, the spread of the Corona epidemic, as well as the catastrophic explosion of Beirut Port, which led to the death of more than a hundred and ninety citizens, the injuring of thousands and the destruction of a large part of our capital, while there are still people missing.

There is no doubt that our people is full of sadness and anger, and they are right. Successive disappointments made them lose confidence, but in return they are self-made and life-loving people, and they will rise again, hoping to regain their confidence in their homeland, which deserves from us every sacrifice, fidelity and loyalty.

Since the first moments of the port blast, the army has assumed the security of the area, which is its responsibility, even without assignment. The horror and magnitude of the disaster made it a priority for port security, public safety, search for survivors under the debris, and then the search for the missing. We worked silently for several days, as words have no value compared to the blood of the innocent, the groaning of the wounded, and the tears of sorrow and grief. We mourned with them because we lost eight martyrs and we have more than three hundred wounded. We were angry with them because this disaster could have been avoided. But together, we will rise above the wounds. Together, hand in hand, we will remove the effects of the explosion from our homes and roads. Together, we will cooperate in surveying the damage and distributing aid, which reflects local and international confidence in our army, because we were and still are the backbone of this country, and we will remain loyal to our oath to defend it no matter the sacrifices. We were and still are with our people in peace as in war and crises. We are not with one team against another, and we will not be. And whoever is confused about it, let them know that the army is at the same distance from everyone, and it will remain in defense of freedom as well as public and private properties.

No matter how many interpretations and campaigns of betrayal, accusations and attempts to slander the image of the army, our priority will remain protecting civil peace and stability, based on our convictions, duties and responsibilities. In conclusion, General Aoun received two appreciation shields from the mayor and from the mother of the martyr George Bou Saab.

After that, LAF Commander in Chief General Joseph Aoun proceeded to open the "Maqial Farah" border road that connects to a military outpost in Jouroud of Ras Baalbek, where he met the soldiers and saluted their efforts to protect the borders.