On November 20, 2012, The Holy Spirit University of Kaslik celebrated Independence Day with a gathering organized by the Student Affairs Office, in the presence of teachers, administrative personnel and students.

Following the Lebanese National Anthem, the Director of the Student Affairs Office, Rev. Fr. Boutros Eid explained that we commemorate this day every year to express our deep gratitude for those who sacrificed themselves for the Nation’s sake. He added that independence is a mutual responsibility for each individual in order to maintain our presence in the country and its stability.

Miss Maha Boustani, Journalism student, spoke on behalf of the students and said that freedom and independence cannot be separated; they are natural rights born and grown in the heart and soul of every citizen. She added that the Lebanese youth will always be united, strongly attached to their identity and will spare no effort to build the Nation on solid foundations.

On behalf of the University President, Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz, the First Vice-president, Rev. Fr. Karam Rizk, delivered a speech in which he stated that independence is the dawn of national life and each citizen and official should give the priority to the prosperity and development of the Nation. He asserted that our ancestors gave us a democratic Nation, and that they wanted it to be above any corruption and greater than any numbers. Furthermore, they wanted it to be diversified and orientated towards pluralism. He added that our country is going through a crisis and the surest way for students to achieve freedom and independence is responsibility. Finally, he congratulated Lebanon on the anniversary of Independence Day.

To bring the ceremony to an end, the student Marwan Chamoun sang patriotic songs and the attendees danced.