Lebanese Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a path that upholds public trust and prioritizes the common good, describing the Kataeb as the “living conscience” guiding citizens toward the national course.

“As long as the party follows this approach, there is reason to be hopeful for the future,” Gemayel said.

Speaking at a ceremony held in Ghazir’s clerical complex to a commemorative plaque for the party’s martyrs, Gemayel said the event aimed to honor the fallen and ensure their names remain alive in public memory. He stressed that the Kataeb will continue to remember these sacrifices at every opportunity, framing it as both a national and moral responsibility.

“Loyalty to the martyrs’ blood must remain a guiding principle, not merely an emotional occasion,” he said.

“Times have passed when the future seemed bleak, but recent events have restored hope,” Gemayel added. “Lebanon now has a real opportunity to build an independent, secure state, reclaim the rights of its martyrs, and safeguard the future of its youth.”

He emphasized that the party will not exploit the sacrifices of martyrs for political gain or private interests and called for serious national efforts to build a free and independent Lebanon.

MP Salim Sayegh spoke next, recalling his first visit to France, where he saw a report honoring World War II veterans, some unable to walk, others relying on assistance.

“I wept because our heroes in Lebanon have never received such recognition, and because our state has not yet been built to embrace its martyrs,” Sayegh said.

He stressed that the Kataeb martyrs gave their lives in service of the party, describing every member as either a supporter or a potential martyr. Reflecting on visits to the homes of fallen fighters, Sayegh said he felt a mix of pride and grief, observing families who remained steadfast despite immense hardships.

“I felt shame that we have not honored their sacrifices as they deserve. Those who fell were not seeking power or personal gain; they defended their beliefs and existence,” he said.

"Today’s gathering and this ceremony are proof we did not lose the war,” he said. “All our victories were victories of the weak over the strong, because our hearts were stronger, our faith deeper, and our attachment to this land immeasurable.”

He stressed that the martyrs died on their own land, in their own villages, not for distant territories, but for Lebanon itself.

“It is our duty to tell their stories to our children,” he said.

Sayegh also paid tribute to the late Kataeb leader Elias Zayek, calling him more than a commander: “He was my brother and the brother of all his comrades in Ghazir and across Lebanon. One word defines him: clarity. Elias always knew right from wrong. He never compromised in battle nor hesitated in decision-making. Even when severely wounded, he led a major operation on crutches. His courage, compassion, and humanity made me love politics, because true politics is built on clarity.”

Amid Lebanon’s current political uncertainty, Sayegh emphasized relying on the principles of leaders trained under the founder Pierre Gemayel and Martyr President Bashir Gemayel, who taught steadfastness and adherence to principles.

"We chose to remain without a president for a hundred years rather than accept a leader who does not reflect us or the Lebanon we believe in. We are here today not by accident or by history alone, but as heirs of those who believed we represent steadfastness and truth. We are not afraid because our comrades rest in the ground, and we continue on their path.”

“In the upcoming elections, the Kataeb’s choices will be as clear as the sun. We do not ally with those unlike us, nor seek seats through temporary deals. We hold ourselves accountable first, and we aim to meet the eyes of martyrs’ families with pride and honesty," he affirmed.

While acknowledging past mistakes, Sayegh affirmed a new, clear, steadfast, and honorable path.

“We stand with those who reflect our values in their words, actions, history, and principles," he concluded.