In every corner of our school, you could sense the sparkling glow of excitement in our students' eyes and the warm thumping of joy in their innocent hearts: they will be visiting the Lebanese Special Forces base in Amsheet and the Lebanese Navy stationing in Byblos. Patriotic songs were rehearsed, souvenirs were made, and memorial shields were designed to honor and salute one of the main pillars of our independepence: our devoted Lebanese soldiers.
In an attempt to express their gratitude and appreciation to the Lebanese army, our elementary children's artistic hands busied themselves in designing inventive heart-shaped Lebanese flag pins, pouring their hearts and souls into every hand movement. As for our cute preschoolers, they colorfully printed their hands, shaping the Lebanese flag in their own creative way.
If you had dropped by our campus at Bechara El Khouri, you would have felt the thrill rising and patience diminishing; waiting was becoming such a grueling task!
November 26th, 2011, 8.30 am: it was time to go! "AT LAST!" was echoing all around the school building!
On this sunny November morning, Cycle I students headed to the Lebanese Navy in Byblos while the destination of both our preschoolers and Cycle II students was to the Lebanese Special Forces base in Amsheet. On the way, patriotic songs resonated in the bus, adding more thrill and happiness into our children's hearts.
At our arrival, the Lebanese soldiers welcomed us warmly and escorted us to a large hall in which they presented the history, purpose, and various achievements of their regiment and played an interesting movie about the difficult mission of soldiers and their role in preserving the dignity and independence of our cherished country. Then, our students' excited voices chanted patriotic songs filling the soldiers' hearts with warmth and generating an atmosphere of pride and loyalty. Afterwards, we were invited to watch their daily maneuvers, and the soldiers kindly allowed our students to participate in some challenging yet fun activities such as rappelling and fast-roping as well as going on an unforgettable fast patrol boat ride! Before leaving, we offered the commander in chief the memorial shield, a small cedar, and the hand-printed Lebanese flag, and we took photos in memory of our visit. Meanwhile, each student dedicated his handmade heart-shape Lebanese flag to a soldier there.
Before heading to school, we visited the Jounieh Park where our children spent some fun time playing group games and enjoying the sunlight.
It was a day to remember, indeed!
Last but not least, may our independence be always shielded against all evil!
Happy 68th Independence Anniversary to each and every member of our beloved Ali Bin Abi Taleb Family!
P.S. YOU WILL BE HEARING FROM US VERY SOON...
كل عام وانتم بهذه الهمة
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