On the 18th anniversary of the assassination of MP and Minister Pierre Gemayel, former Lebanese President Amine Gemayel delivered a heartfelt speech during a commemorative mass at St. Michael’s Church in Bikfaya. Surrounded by family, political allies, and supporters, Gemayel paid tribute to his son’s enduring legacy, emphasizing the relevance of Pierre’s vision for Lebanon amid the nation’s current existential crisis.  

In his address, Amine Gemayel underscored the significance of Pierre’s sacrifice, linking it to the broader struggle for Lebanon’s sovereignty and identity. He began by acknowledging the steadfast presence of loved ones 18 years after Pierre’s assassination.  

“Your presence here today is a testament to your faith in Pierre’s mission, which remains etched in our hearts and memories—a journey marked by sacrifices, even to the point of martyrdom," he said. 

Gemayel reflected on the challenges Lebanon faces, describing them as a direct result of the power vacuum caused by the targeted assassinations of national figures like Pierre.  

“It has become clear that all these assassinations were orchestrated to create a vacuum for evident purposes: to seize control over constitutional and security institutions,” he stated. “Most alarming is the coup against Lebanon’s identity, message, and presence. This has resulted in a crippling vacuum in the presidency and the paralysis of state institutions at all levels.”  

The former president described Lebanon’s predicament as a battle for survival.  

“Ultimately, Lebanon is enduring one of its most existential crises—a battle of ‘to be or not to be,’” he said. “There is no national platform, nor legitimate constitutional authority, to defend Lebanon’s supreme interests or represent it on the global stage. The intended result is a void.”  

Gemayel further warned of efforts to transform Lebanon into a nation devoid of identity, purpose, and independence.  

“The proponents of this void are working toward an alternative nation—a nation subjugated to dark regimes,” he cautioned. “Pierre was one of the earliest victims of this agenda.”  

Amine Gemayel emphasized that honoring Pierre’s memory was not merely a commemorative act but a declaration of resistance against the forces undermining Lebanon’s sovereignty.  

“Our presence here is the true and rightful resistance that Pierre and his companions in the Cedar Revolution embodied,” he affirmed. “This is the essence of our presence—a resistance for Lebanon’s role, message, dignity, and pride.”  

“No, the political arena is not abandoned! Regardless of how fierce the dark storm grows or how vile the motives become, we will continue steadfastly on Pierre’s path. He embodied, until his final breath, the true essence of national spirit, genuine democratic values, and equality without discrimination of sect or religion.”

He urged attendees to draw strength from Pierre’s unwavering dedication to Lebanon and to embrace his vision as a roadmap for rebuilding the nation.  

“Pierre was not merely a political figure but a symbol of integrity and honesty fighting for Lebanon,” he said. “Faced with today’s tragedy and existential threats, we must return to Pierre’s message—a vision that transcends politics and serves as a roadmap to preserving the nation and its cause.”  

“To Pierre, I say: You were not just a man among men; you were a vision, and visions never die," Gemayel concluded in a poignant message to his late son.