Lebanon celebrated on Tuesday the 73rd Independence anniversary with a military parade headed by President Michel Aoun.
The parade, which took place at morning in the Shafiq Wazzan Boulevard, was attended by Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, caretaker Prime Minister Tammam Salam, as well as high-ranking security officials, politicians and other dignitaries.
Lebanese Independence Day commemorates the country’s liberation in 1943 after 23 years of governance by French Mandate that succeeded Ottoman rule.
In line with tradition, the parade began with a 21-gun salute, followed by Aoun laying a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Red, green and white balloons representing the three colors of the Lebanese flag were then released into the sky, after military helicopters overflew marching soldiers.
As the parade ended, Aoun headed to the presidential palace in Baabda along with other leaders to receive well-wishers.
Source: Agencies
