Beirut, November 23, 2018 – Commemorating the 75th anniversary of Lebanon’s independence day, LibanPost launched a special stamp replicating the Lebanese Cedar canvas painted especially for this occasion by international Lebanese artist Nabil Nahas. The unveiling ceremony took place in the Grand Serail under the patronage of the Prime Minister-designate Mr. Saad el Hariri represented by the caretaker Minister of Telecommunications Mr. Jamal Jarrah, in the presence of officials and prominent social and media figures.
On the other hand, LibanPost also organized a fundraising auction of Nabil Nahas’ original painting in Sursock Museum-Ashrafieh, under the patronage of the Commander in Chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Joseph Aoun. The auction aims, through its entire sale proceeds, at supporting the families of martyrs from the Lebanese Armed forces. Falling in line with LibanPost’s series of honorary stamps, the new independence stamp seeks to commemorate the efforts of Lebanese citizens as well as everyone who contributed in raising Lebanon’s name high, celebrating the diversity of the Lebanese people, while reaffirming LibanPost’s commitment to its corporate social responsibilities.
The public auction
Inaugurating the public auction, Rony Alpha greeted the attendees, describing the event as “a collective bidding on Lebanon’s love and its Cedar through a stunning masterpiece”. Taking over, Nada Boulos saluted Nahas on his “patriotism and considerable contribution to the arts scene” before opening the auction with USD70,000 and closing it at a sales value of USD205,000.
In his word, LibanPost’s Chairman Khalil Daoud greeted the Lebanese army, congratulating it for a special stamp that replicates a work of art, while praising the public auction initiative that helps support the families of martyrs from the Lebanese armed forces. He expressed his admiration for the Lebanese army considering its “institution implanted in the heart of every Lebanese”, saluting its “unrelenting efforts in defending our independence for the past 75 years while sacrificing the lives of its young soldiers in order to preserve the security and stability of Lebanon.” He went on thanking Nahas for his generosity and his support of the Lebanese army.
From his end, Nahas thanked LibanPost for this opportunity, expressing his “pride and pleasure in contributing to an auction that aims at supporting the families of martyrs from the Lebanese armed forces”.
Wrapping the event, Daoud offered an honorary stamp to General Joseph Aoun, received by his representative, Colonel Moustafa el Ali, as well as souvenir gifts for Nahas and Boulos, which was followed by a group memorial photo.
Launch of the independence stamp
The launch ceremony of the honorary stamp was inaugurated by the national anthem and the greeting speech of Rony Alpha who reiterated that “the cedar tree remains a symbol of solidarity and pride”. He also praised the “patience and moderation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri, to the image of his martyred father”, while saluting the painter Nahas for the “new dimension he gave to dedicated and innovative art, reaffirming that “the cedar tree rises above everyone.”
In his word, Daoud stressed on the “great symbolism of the Serail as the place chosen for this 75th anniversary event, given the considerable responsibilities this constitutional institution has undertaken to protect the independence of our country and anchor our belonging to the land of the cedars.” He concluded with a rhetorical question asking the attendees if there was more beautiful or precious than the Cedar of Lebanon to adorn the independence stamp, saluting Nahas for his daily deeds of independence.
Speaking on behalf of Hariri, Jarrah thanked the Lebanese artist for offering this “sublime painting for the noble cause of supporting the families of martyrs from the Lebanese armed forces”, referring to the Lebanese army as the first and last protector of our independence, sovereignty, and government. He carried on saying: “the independence is an important occasion celebrated by every Lebanese, however the truth is that our country survived many hardships during the last 75 years, from wars with Israel to regional crisis, civil wars, invasions, and power vacuum, like the absence of a Head of State for the last two years and of a government for the last few months. This means that 75 years of independence weren’t 75 years of stability, knowing that every 10 or 15 years, Lebanon’s stability is threatened, leading to many missed opportunities.” After unveiling the new stamp, Nahas thanked LibanPost saying: “the Cedars of God have been for thousands of years the emblem of Lebanon and a symbol of strength, resistance, and unity for Lebanese”, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity he was granted to offer his painting for the support of martyrs soldiers’ families.
The event was crowned by the unveiling of the painting, after which Daoud presented two honorary medals respectively to Hariri, received by Jarrah, and to Nahas.