The Future of February 14’s Celebrations

Mr. Hariri’s Legacy is secure. Now is the time to rethink how February 14 is celebrated every year.

Wise athletes retire at their prime. They like their fans to remember them at their peak. They dread the idea of aging, weakening and falling slowly into an arthritis-ridden oblivion. They’d rather make news, one last time, about quitting too soon.

Prime Minister Rafik Hariri (R.I.P) involuntarily retired at his prime. It remains to be seen if the yearly celebrations held to commemorate him will do the same.

Don’t get me wrong. If I were in Lebanon I would have probably turned up. I would have waived a Lebanese flag, chanted till losing my voice and returned home to a very good night sleep.

But we’re human beings. Time heals our wounds, emotions ebb and injustices fade away.

We can’t keep holding such rallies every February 14. We have to stop (the physical gathering of crowds) at some point. So why not now? We can make yesterday’s superb display the last image people remember of February 14 celebrations. We can declare the proverbial victory and announce that as of next year, the celebrations will have more local and cultural manifestations.

The movement will live on in the hearts and minds of people. Physically turning up can soon become a drag..