This year marks the 27^th anniversary of the martyrdom of President Rene Moawad and his companions. On the occasion, the Independence Movement in Melbourne (Australia) held a Requiem Mass for their memory and souls.
The Liturgy was led by Bishop Joe Takchi, who was assisted by Bishop Youssef Touma and Father Alain Fares. The choir was led by Father Hovik Bodakian and the Antonin sisters. A large crowd from the members of the Lebanese community in Australia participated in the event, including: HE the General Consul of Lebanon Ghassan Khatib, the Dean of the Lebanese Australian University Sheikh Bechara Tawk, the head of the Kataeb Party in Australia Mr. George Haddad, the head of the Progressive Socialist Party in Australia Dr. Wael Abu Hassan, the head of the Free Patriotic Movement in Australia Mr. Robert Bakhaazi, a delegation from the Kataeb Party headed by Mr. Zaki Yarak, a delegation from the Lebanese Forces headed by Mr. Nehme Bittar, a delegation from the Al Marada Party headed by Mr. Nabil Hanna, a delegation from the Future Movement headed by Mr. Hussein, a delegation from the Free Patriotic Movement headed by Mr. Charbel Radi, a delegation from the National Liberal Party headed by Mr. Nabil Faddoul, a delegation from the Progressive Socialist Party headed by Mr Tawfiq Abu Aasi, a delegation from the Maronite League headed by Mr Badawi Khoury, in addition to presidents and representatives of the following associations: Lady of Zgharta – Youth Movement of Zgharta – Aashash Association – Becharri Association – Mart Mora Association of Bqarzla – Al Miyya Miyya Association – Zahle Association – Australian-Lebanese Youth Club – A delegation from the Hadchit family – Al Haddara family Association – delegations from the various districts of North Lebanon, mainly from Zgharta.

After the Mass everyone moved to the church hall where the secretary of the Independence Movement in Melbourne Mr. Antonio Abu Antoun asked the audience to stand for the national anthems of Australia and Lebanon. After welcoming all and thanking them for their participation in the requiem for President Moawad and his companions, Mr.  Abu Anton gave a speech in which he recollected the love that President Moawad had for Lebanon, for whom he offered his life, and how he worked for Lebanon to be a country of freedom, justice, independence, and a lighthouse for the East. Two speeches were also delivered by the Lady of Zgharta Association (by Mr. Rizk Dowaihi) and the Youth Movement of Zgharta (by Mr. Antoine Harbiyeh), which focused on the many qualities of the martyr-President.
A documentary on the various stages of President Moawad’s life and public career was then displayed on a large screen. It was followed by a lunch for the memory of the souls of President Moawad and his companions in martyrdom.
The occasion was a great opportunity to strengthen the bonds of unity and love amongst all the components of Lebanon, the land of the Cedars, of purity and holiness.