On Tuesday May 6, 2014, the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) organized its annual celebration on the occasion of commemoration of the martyrs of the press, in the presence of the University Community on the outdoor esplanade.

Following the Lebanese National Anthem, the attendees observed a minute of silence for the souls of the martyrs. Then, journalism student Stephany Bou Chalha, delivered a speech on behalf of the students. She said: “The group of martyrs executed by Jamal Bacha in the Place of Martyrs back then was neither the first group of martyrs, nor will it be the last…The last of these groups were members of the Lebanese Army and innocent civilians, who became victims of cowardly terrorist bombings, in addition to the journalists who paid their lives as the price their sacred mission of free expression.”

Afterwards, Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz, President of USEK, took the floor and talked about the meaning of martyrdom, considering that it surpassed personal interest and reached solidarity with others for the service of the nation. He added: “Martyrs who fell on May 6, 1916, died for a noble cause…Every one of us lives a kind of martyrdom in life through sacrifices we present for a noble cause.” Fr. Mahfouz called upon everyone to follow the steps of these people and think about noble causes - because we cannot grow without considering the interest of our society and nation. He, finally, urged everyone to think positively and plant love and goodness throughout our nation and the world.