It has been three years since the August 4 Beirut Port explosion.
To commemorate that dark day in the lives of many in Lebanon, hundreds of people met at the fire station in Karantina and marched to the outskirts of the port.
All along the way, Lebanese flags blew in the soft breeze that gave people a light reprieve from the intense heat as the sun bore down on them, and the siren from a fire engine wailed as it crept along the road, echoing throughout the city, just like the cries of thousands did that same day three years ago.
Upon reaching the port, the crowd gathered around a small stage set up with the remains of the silos in the background.
Families of the victims gathered on and in front of the stage holding aloft pictures of those that they lost not long ago.
In the minutes leading up to 6:07 pm, the same time when Hanger 12, filled with 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, exploded on August 4, 2020, the names of the victims were read off one by one.
A mix of white and pink smoke was released in a small explosion.
Once the names of the dead were finished being read off, family members of the victims gave speeches, showing that, even though it had been three years since the explosion and still no one has been held accountable, they remain determined to push for justice, certain that eventually, they will prevail.
“Our demand is right, and all parties must lift the lid on all those involved so that justice can take its course,” William Noun, brother of firefighter Joseph Noun, stated sternly.
Noun also directly addressed former ministers and politicians Ali Hassan Khalil, Ghazi Zeaiter and Youseff Fenianous, stating along with a chorus of boos from the crowd that “You will be held accountable…It is the third year in which we promise you accountability, and the innocent do not fear justice.”
Paul Naggear, father of three-year-old Alexandra who died in the explosion, also remained firm that justice would eventually be achieved no matter how much Lebanon’s political class tried to prevent it.
“Our life is difficult, for they killed us in our homes, and they are still betting on our loss of hope and surrender, but whatever happens, we will remain steadfast,” he stated defiantly.
When the speeches concluded, the sorrowful crowd packed up their things and went home, putting another anniversary of the explosion behind them.
Nicholas Frakes is a senior reporter with @NOW_leb. He tweets @nicfrakesjourno.
