The Lebanese American Commission for Democracy (LACD) commemorated October 13, 1990, through memorial Masses and activities organized by its chapters in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New England, bringing together members of the Lebanese diaspora and representatives of Lebanese political parties, associations, and community organizations.

The commemorations also marked the announcement of an upcoming nationwide campaign encouraging Lebanese families across the United States to register their children in Lebanon, helping preserve their Lebanese identity, roots, and connection to their ancestral homeland.

From Los Angeles: A Nationwide Registration Campaign

In Los Angeles, a memorial Mass was celebrated by Fr. Charles Khachan at Our Lady of Mount Lebanon Cathedral, in the presence of Lebanese Consul General Eng. Charbel Nassar, LACD President Georges Moussa, representatives of Lebanese political parties and organizations, and members of the Lebanese community.

During the commemoration, Moussa paid tribute to the Lebanese Army martyrs and all those who sacrificed their lives defending Lebanon, its sovereignty, and its freedom. He emphasized that honoring their memory goes beyond remembrance and requires a commitment to Lebanon’s future and the generations to come, particularly within the diaspora.

In this context, Moussa announced that LACD will launch a nationwide campaign across the United States to encourage Lebanese families to register their children in Lebanon, helping preserve Lebanese identity and pass on a sense of belonging to future generations.

He stressed that the initiative is neither a partisan project nor an effort belonging to any single organization, but rather a shared national responsibility. He called on Lebanese political parties, churches, associations, and community organizations to work together to ensure its success, regardless of political differences.

“We may differ politically, but Lebanon, our identity, and the future of our children must unite us,” Moussa said, adding that the greatest tribute to the martyrs is to keep Lebanon present in the lives of Lebanese children, generation after generation.

For her part, LACD Los Angeles chapter coordinator Roula Abou Jaoudé emphasized the importance of remembering the martyrs’ sacrifices and continuing to work toward a free, sovereign, and independent Lebanon. She also highlighted the importance of state-building, national partnership, and strengthening the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

In his homily, Fr. Charles Khachan called for honoring the martyrs through unity, peaceful coexistence, and a strong sense of belonging to Lebanon.

The commemoration concluded with a memorial luncheon in the church hall.

San Francisco Honors the Martyrs

In San Francisco, the LACD chapter commemorated October 13 with a memorial Mass at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church, celebrated by Fr. Rami Razzouk.

Members of the Lebanese community gathered in prayer to honor the memory and sacrifices of those who gave their lives for Lebanon.

New England Renews Its Commitment to Remembrance

In New England, a memorial Mass was celebrated by Fr. Tony Saba at Saint George Maronite Catholic Church in Rhode Island, followed by a commemorative luncheon bringing together members of the Lebanese community.

During the gathering, LACD New England coordinator Wissam Tarbay emphasized the importance of keeping the memory of the martyrs alive among Lebanese communities, both in Lebanon and throughout the diaspora.

LACD reaffirmed that commemorating October 13 across its U.S. chapters reflects the Lebanese diaspora’s enduring connection to its homeland and its commitment to the values of freedom, sovereignty, and independence.

The organization stressed that preserving Lebanese identity and strengthening younger generations’ ties to Lebanon represent a continuation of the commitment to honoring the sacrifices of the martyrs.

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