Beirut: President Joseph Aoun expressed his hope that St. Maron's Day, which falls today, will become "a unifying national day through which the Maronites and all Lebanese renew the ideals of Lebanon, the nation of the message and missions, the land of saints and righteous people, and the home of the free, following the example of those who defended this country, faith, and freedom." According to National News Agency - Lebanon, President Aoun congratulated the Maronites and all Lebanese on this occasion, noting that it is a day to "reclaim the meanings of sacrifice, virtues, and human heroism." He added that he hopes the holiday returns "after the wounds of the South have healed and stability has returned to its regions, along with the return of southerners to their towns and villages." President Aoun further expressed his desire that "the suffering and tragedies of the Lebanese people come to an end, the latest of which were the repeated tragedies in dear Tripoli caused by the collapse of old buildings. Th e responsible authorities were expected to take necessary precautionary measures to prevent such collapses and the loss of innocent lives, including precious children. We mourn their loss and stand in solidarity with their grieving families, praying today for the repose of their souls."