On the anniversary of the assassination of Minister Pierre Gemayel, Kataeb Party officials and prominent political figures paid tribute to his enduring legacy. Gemayel, who was assassinated 18 years ago for being a stalwart advocate for Lebanese independence and national sovereignty, remains a symbol of national unity, resistance to oppression, and the dream of a better Lebanon. Through heartfelt messages, his comrades reaffirmed their commitment to his vision of a free, independent, and prosperous nation.  

Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel shared an emotional reflection, emphasizing the personal and national impact of his brother’s loss.

“This year feels different—a mix of sorrow over the tragedies of war and a sense that the country I’ve dreamed of is closer to becoming a reality,” Gemayel wrote on his X account. “But the hardest feeling remains that none of these emotions can compensate for the loss of my brother. Nothing can replace the life of a loving and joyful person, nor the void left by your absence from our family and my life.”  

The Kataeb chief pledged to continue the fight for Lebanon’s sovereignty and the principles that his brother died defending.

“I promise you to keep fighting for our cause, for Lebanon, and for every Lebanese who loves his/her country. I will carry forward the message of the martyrs in our family and our honorable party alongside my fellow Kataeb members, who remain steadfast in defending Lebanon, freedom, and dignity despite persecution.”  

MP Salim Sayegh commented on the Kataeb chief's tribute to his late brother, saying that Pierre Gemayel's death symbolizes the tragic demise of a political figure whose influence reached far beyond his immediate circle. 

“Nothing can compensate for the loss of a brother, especially when that brother embodies the essence of a nation!” Sayegh wrote on X.

MP Elias Hankach echoed this sentiment, vowing to fulfill Pierre’s aspirations.

“We will work tirelessly to realize the dream Pierre couldn’t achieve. From above, he is proud of his comrades and his brother, and we will continue with the same strength and enthusiasm he taught us—this is not just a slogan.",” he said. “From above, he is proud of his comrades and his brother, and we will continue with the same strength and enthusiasm he taught us—this is not just a slogan.”

Hankach highlighted the importance of national struggle, emphasizing the need to build a nation where future generations can thrive without being forced to emigrate.  

“If Pierre were alive, we would not have reached a second war,” Hankach asserted. “We would have built a state free of arms and arrogance over the government." 

Former Kataeb minister and political bureau member Alain Hakim also paid tribute to Gemayel as a symbol of freedom and dignity, hailing the latter as "a man who carried Lebanon in his heart and paid the ultimate price for his principles."

“Your image inspires us, your words guide us, and you are more than a memory—you live in every heart that believes in Lebanon,” Hakim said.   

Kataeb Secretary-General Serge Dagher underscored the party’s commitment to Gemayel’s legacy, pledging to carry on the struggle that the late minister had initiated. 

“For 18 years, Kataeb members have expressed their love for you as they do every year, continuing your journey. Justice is being realized, even if slowly. Lebanon’s future will reflect your pure heart, not the dark faces we see today.”  

Kataeb Vice President Michel Khoury reflected on the unifying role of the party’s headquarters during Pierre’s time, saying that it once served as a space that brought together all March 14 figures.

“Pierre embodied the founding spirit of the Kataeb and worked with those advocating for Lebanon’s sovereignty and true independence, as the first independence was never fully achieved,” he said, emphasizing that the Kataeb Party remains a national institution that still carries forward the vision of its founders.  

Former minister Elie Marouni highlighted Pierre Gemayel’s unwavering dedication to Lebanon, stating that his greatness is reflected in the fact that he is remembered every day.

"We lived through moments of struggle with him during the Syrian occupation, and his milestones remain unforgettable,” Marouni said, urging unity among the Lebanese away from external allegiances and power-sharing deals that compromise the nation’s sovereignty.

“When the Lebanese people unite, abandon external allegiances, and stop compromising Lebanon for power and positions, we will begin to build the Lebanon Pierre dreamed of,” he said.  

"Rest assured as many Lebanese still believe in this country. You have a brother Lebanon is proud of, parents, and loyal comrades. You are always in our hearts and minds. We will keep fighting alongside Samy for a free, sovereign, and independent Lebanon," Marouni vowed in a direct address to the late minister.