The first parade of Lebanese Independence, on Nov. 22, 1945, on Martyrs'. (Credit: )Photo Gulbenk/Collection Georges Boustany
Nov. 22 in Lebanon often has fine weather. As far back as I can remember, rain has rarely made an appearance for our Independence Day celebrations; yet God knows we have at times wished some of our leaders would catch a cold.It’s often beautiful on that day, and the city seems petrified. In the deserted streets, all you hear is the echo of military music and the commentary of radio journalists — later, it would be television. Along with May 1, Nov. 22 is universally a holiday. For religious holidays, the city is always half-open, just to spite one’s neighbor.Nov. 22, 1945, was no exception: as Gulbenk, official photographer of Bechara al-Khoury's mandate, snapped a photo in Martyrs’ Square, the sun was brilliant. So brilliant, in fact, that the official grandstand was flooded with the slanting light typical of the last month of...
Nov. 22 in Lebanon often has fine weather. As far back as I can remember, rain has rarely made an appearance for our Independence Day celebrations; yet God knows we have at times wished some of our leaders would catch a cold.It’s often beautiful on that day, and the city seems petrified. In the deserted streets, all you hear is the echo of military music and the commentary of radio journalists — later, it would be television. Along with May 1, Nov. 22 is universally a holiday. For religious holidays, the city is always half-open, just to spite one’s neighbor.Nov. 22, 1945, was no exception: as Gulbenk, official photographer of Bechara al-Khoury's mandate, snapped a photo in Martyrs’ Square, the sun was brilliant. So brilliant, in fact, that the official grandstand was flooded with the slanting light typical of the last month...
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