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Four Things to Make You Feel Patriotic on Independence Day
It only takes one glance at the latest news report to realize that we’re a lost, haunted nation. Heck, it only takes one conversation with a taxi driver.
And of course, with the past week’s twin suicide bombings in Beirut, even attempting to celebrate our 70th year of independence feels all sorts of wrong. But deep down, even among the very people who can’t stop complaining about this country, we know there’s more to love about Lebanon.
(Photo via cnn.com)
The Lebanon we love, with all its failings, is the home to warm beaches and cold mountains, Churches and Mosques, artists and poets, the bearded, growing population of carefree hipsters, and the pristine “bourgeoisie” that every so often take a 2,000 LL service ride like the rest of us.
Pope John Paul II had it right when he said, “Lebanon is more than a country, it is a message.” So let us now, if only for a few moments, pay tribute to Lebanon. Here are four things to inspire your sense of patriotism this Independence Day.
1. You Have Your Lebanon and I Have My Lebanon
(Photo via @jchi7a on Instagram)
“You have your Lebanon and its dilemma. I have my Lebanon and its beauty.
Your Lebanon is an arena for men from the West and men from the East.
My Lebanon is a flock of birds fluttering in the early morning as shepherds lead their sheep into the meadow and rising in the evening as farmers return from their fields and vineyards.”
Gibran Khalil Gibran is simply voicing what we’re all feeling – yes, you, you corrupt and selfish people can have your Lebanon. And we’ll have ours.
You can read the full version of this poem here.
2. B7ebak Ya Libnan
“They asked me what happened in the country of celebrations,
Planted in a region of fire and gunpowder,
I told them our country is being reborn
Lebanon of pride, with its stubborn people,
Whatever way you are, I love you,
With your madness, I love you.”
Breathe in the beautiful oud and Fayrouz’s beautiful voice. This is the sound of Lebanon.
3. David Kurani’s Painting of Lebanon
(Photo via taleof2nations.blogspot.com)
Because sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words.
4. Lebanese Dabke at the Airport
We are not just a country, we are a crazy, distorted mix of different people united under one cause: Lebanon. We haven’t been ourselves for a while, but I promise you, Lebnan ra7 yerja3.
Happy Independence Day, folks!
And of course, with the past week’s twin suicide bombings in Beirut, even attempting to celebrate our 70th year of independence feels all sorts of wrong. But deep down, even among the very people who can’t stop complaining about this country, we know there’s more to love about Lebanon.
(Photo via cnn.com)
The Lebanon we love, with all its failings, is the home to warm beaches and cold mountains, Churches and Mosques, artists and poets, the bearded, growing population of carefree hipsters, and the pristine “bourgeoisie” that every so often take a 2,000 LL service ride like the rest of us.
Pope John Paul II had it right when he said, “Lebanon is more than a country, it is a message.” So let us now, if only for a few moments, pay tribute to Lebanon. Here are four things to inspire your sense of patriotism this Independence Day.
1. You Have Your Lebanon and I Have My Lebanon
(Photo via @jchi7a on Instagram)
“You have your Lebanon and its dilemma. I have my Lebanon and its beauty.
Your Lebanon is an arena for men from the West and men from the East.
My Lebanon is a flock of birds fluttering in the early morning as shepherds lead their sheep into the meadow and rising in the evening as farmers return from their fields and vineyards.”
Gibran Khalil Gibran is simply voicing what we’re all feeling – yes, you, you corrupt and selfish people can have your Lebanon. And we’ll have ours.
You can read the full version of this poem here.
2. B7ebak Ya Libnan
“They asked me what happened in the country of celebrations,
Planted in a region of fire and gunpowder,
I told them our country is being reborn
Lebanon of pride, with its stubborn people,
Whatever way you are, I love you,
With your madness, I love you.”
Breathe in the beautiful oud and Fayrouz’s beautiful voice. This is the sound of Lebanon.
3. David Kurani’s Painting of Lebanon
(Photo via taleof2nations.blogspot.com)
Because sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words.
4. Lebanese Dabke at the Airport
We are not just a country, we are a crazy, distorted mix of different people united under one cause: Lebanon. We haven’t been ourselves for a while, but I promise you, Lebnan ra7 yerja3.
Happy Independence Day, folks!