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The Story of Amchit Square
From an architectural point of view, the square is a large and flat piece of land, forming the vital heart of the nearby towns and villages, and on many levels (economic and commercial).
As to the Military Square, the place from where the story of Amchit began, it does not look like any other square. It was the first assemblage of the people who built the town; this is reflected by the magnificent old buildings that go back to many centuries ago.
Amchit Square was a kind of “Parliament” where all political leaders from Amchit used to gather in order to manage Jbeil and Batroun’s affairs.
This square was always present in all events throdughout the region and Lebanon’s History; it was rather the event maker. In fact, many political and cultural events were set out in Amchit Square.
For instance, the Leader Mikhael Yazbeck Lahoud revolted against Emir Bachir and his knights, who used to torture Amchit dwellers, so he sent his supporters to arrest a whole division of the Emir’s knights and to imprison them in the cellars of his own house which I located in the middle of the square.
On the other hand, Amchit Square was characterized culturally through its National School (Al Madrassa Al Wataniyya) which was founded by the author and educator, the late Adib Mikhael Lahoud, and from which many great authors, poets, politicians, legal experts graduated.
Many stories in Amchit’s History witness tell the story of this square, the square of Men, decisions, wisdom, union, entertainment, humor and festivals…
As days were passing byAs a sign of loyalty and appreciation towards many of Amchit’s figures who protected Lebanon’s security, boundaries, and dignity, through their adherence to the Lebanese Army, such as the General Victor Khoury, who was the former Army Commander and Minister of Defense, and the actual Army Commander, General Michel Suleiman, the municipality council of Amchit adopted in July 26, 2001 the decision number 51, and decided to name the square as the “Square of the Lebanese Army” (“Military Square”). General Suleiman welcomed and supported the decision. The Municipality Council had designated Engineer Zafer Suleiman to oversee and set the studies and plans of the actual tribune and monument in the square. As to General Suleiman, he personally paid the expenses to build the monument that was designed, sculptured and executed by Mr. Pierre Georges Karam. The project was done with the management of Mr. Youssef Lahoud, a member of the Municipality Council.
The support of General Suleiman encouraged many generous men to donate the expenses of the square’s restoration project.
The possession of the oldest patrimonial building in Amchit’s Square was taken and was turned into a public library, thanks to the studies and supervision of Engineer Antoine Lahoud Lahoud who transformed, with professionalism, this building from ruins into a magnificent piece of art.
After 4 months, the first stage of the works had almost come to an end, and the first of August, which is the Army Day, was very soon.
The Municipality Council had decided to inaugurate the square, through a big national celebration, under the patronage of General Suleiman who contributed the most in executing this project.
On the 11th of August, 2003, the square welcomed General Suleiman, accompanied by many important officers who were overwhelmingly received with music and roses.
The Minister of Interior at that time, Elias el Murr, also attended the inauguration, in addition to many of kesrwan and Jbeil’s deputies, and religious and civil figures and citizens.
The Military Orchestra played throughout 2 hours, accompanied by poets, speakers. The mayor of Amchit, Dr. Antoine Issa, Dr. Claudia Abi Nader, the poet Toufic Suleiman said a word of welcoming, as to the poet and staff officer Mohammad Yasser Al Ayyoubi, he wrote a poem in which he praised Amchit and General Suleiman. Then, the brigardier staff, Elias Farhat said the word of the Army Commandment and the monument was unveiled and memorial plates were offered to the donators:
• General Michel Sleiman/Relief Commision: 23,000 $
• The late Minister Georges Ifram: 20,000$
• Minister Michel Edde: 15,000$
• Minister Mohammad Al Safadi: 10,000$
• Engineer Branly Nassour & family: 25,000 $
• Mr. Michel Zakhia Issa: 11,000 $
• Mr. Hani Berro: 10,000$
• The Lebanese Canadian Bank: 10,000$
• APSAD: 5000$
• Mr. Kayssar Sarkis: 5,000,000 LL
Also contribution in kind:
• Omnitrade: owner Mr. Tannous Ghostin
• Passi Flora: owner Mr. Youssef Georges Karam
Donations for “Zakirat Amchit” are still open for the people of Amchit and those who love her.
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Military Square 
