Beirut, August 3, 2018
Bank Audi, the Lebanese Army and British photographer Jeremy Chivers launched “The Heart of the Nation”, a photography book paying tribute to the outstanding efforts, sacrifices, activities and victories of our soldiers.
The launch and signature of the book took place at Villa Audi on the occasion of Army Day, in presence of General Joseph Aoun, Commander in Chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), of Mr. Samir Hanna, Chairman and Group CEO of Bank Audi, of Mr. Marc Audi, General Manager Lebanon – Bank Audi sal, and of a number of officials from the Army, various security services, and Bank Audi.
“We anchor fundamental values such as human capital, civic role and heritage”, said Mr. Samir Hanna. He added: “This helps us map a course of action for every individual to follow and reach his ends. Of course, this requires positivism and countless victories, but above all, it takes brave men and women to win them, as they represent the true character and genuine essence of our nation in its most powerful way, through honor, sacrifice and loyalty. It is through the modern art that is photography, which pays tribute to moments in time and in history, that I salute the Lebanese soldier of yesterday, today and tomorrow.”
General Joseph Aoun seized the occasion to thank Bank Audi for making this initiative possible, and for its continuous support to the Lebanese Armed Forces. He underlined that “The Heart of the Nation” relates, through brilliantly taken photos, the daily lives of our soldiers, as well as their competencies, extensive training, and ability to complete their missions as professionally as possible.” He then offered honorary shields to both Samir Hanna and Jeremy Chivers.
As for Jeremy Chivers, he chose to shed the light, through his lense, on “the incredible work the LAF does, away from the public gaze. Most Lebanese aren’t as lucky as I was, he added, to be able to get out into the field, to see what the LAF actually did day by day, month on month, year on year, to safeguard the republic and the constitution.” His thoughts also went out to the veterans and martyrs of the Army, and to their families who will benefit from the profits of the book’s sale.
The book signature was followed by the inauguration of the related photo exhibition which will be hosted by Villa Audi until end-August. A cocktail reception was organized on the occasion.
“The Heart of the Nation” is now on sale online and in key bookshops across the country.