Hariri, Geagea, Gemayel commemorate March 14 anniversary

On Thursday, Saad Hariri, the former Prime Minister and leader of the al-Mustaqbal Movement, commemorated the anniversary of the March 14, 2005, demonstration, heralding it as a pivotal moment that represented a collective aspiration for independence and remains a significant memory in the pursuit of liberty.

Similarly, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea reflected on the date, emphasizing that March 14 transcends a mere calendar day to symbolize a continual journey towards a definitive goal. Kataeb Party’s head, MP Sami Gemayel, also paid tribute, acknowledging the date as a profound milestone, while honoring the sacrifices of the “martyrs of the second independence,” including Kataeb’s own Pierre Gemayel and Antoine Ghanem, asserting a commitment to persist in their footsteps towards ultimate sovereignty.

This day of remembrance marks the anniversary of what is considered Lebanon’s largest political rally, triggered by the assassination of Rafik Hariri a month prior. This outpouring of demand for change and freedom came in the wake of a pro-Syria rally on March 8, 2005. The collective voice of the March 14 rally not only gave birth to a political alliance by the same name but also played a crucial role in catalyzing the withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon, marking a significant step towards national autonomy.