Lebanese Heritage Month 2024: Commemorating with the Defence Team
October 31, 2024 - Defence Stories
Introduction to Lebanese Heritage Month
To honour the significant contributions Lebanese Canadians have made within Canada, and in recognition of Lebanese Independence Day (Nov 22, 1943), the Government of Canada designated November as Lebanese Heritage Month in 2023.
This November marks the inaugural year that the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are commemorating Lebanese Heritage Month. This is an important occasion with great significance for Defence Team members who proudly trace their roots to Lebanon.
The connection between Lebanese people and Canada was first established in 1882, when the first Lebanese immigrants came to Canada. Emigration to Canada greatly increased during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), which further enabled the Lebanese culture and heritage to be shared within the broader Canadian society.
Honouring Lebanese Veterans
The contributions of current and former Defence Team members of Lebanese descent are invaluable to the DND/CAF and to Canada. Lebanese Heritage Month allows for the opportunity to remember and honour the distinguished service and sacrifices of Lebanese veterans who served in the CAF.
This includes the hard work and dedication of Lieutenant Helen Mussallem (Ret’d.) who served with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps in the Second World War and was Canada’s most decorated nurse to serve in the CAF at that time. She went on to help reform nursing education in Canada and around the world, and helped transform nursing into a profession.
This also includes Trooper Marc Diab who joined the CAF 10 years after leaving war-torn Lebanon as a teenager. Sadly, at the age of 22, while serving with the Royal Canadian Dragoons in Afghanistan, he was the 112th Canadian soldier to die on the mission. Though he passed young, his dedication to the CAF and to his Lebanese heritage will always be admired.
To Defence Team Members
Diversity and inclusion within the Defence Team matters and makes us stronger as individuals and as an organization. All members of the Defence Team are encouraged to learn more about Lebanese Heritage, including their social, economic, cultural, religious, military, philanthropic and political contributions which have added to the strength, resiliency, and diversity of Canadian communities.
The people of Lebanon know too well the fragility of peace, and we want to acknowledge the present-day suffering of the people of Lebanon and the Canadians who currently reside there. Defence Team members are encouraged to learn about, reflect on, and consider the historical and contemporary challenges Lebanese Canadians face.
Thank you to all current serving Canadian Armed Forces members and National Defence employees who are members of the Lebanese community. Your contributions are appreciated. To those who feel safe and empowered to share and celebrate your culture and traditions with others, thank you, and wishing you all an enriching Lebanese Heritage Month!
Resources
To all Defence Team members, if you or someone you know needs emotional support, please seek assistance:
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