Sheikh Hussein al-Halabi's house, which became the "Independence House"

The Independence House in the town of Bchamoun holds a special symbolism in the history of Lebanon. After the French Mandate arrested President Bechara El Khoury, Prime Minister Riad Al Solh, and a number of ministers at Rashaya Citadel on November 11, 1943, Prince Majid Arslan, Speaker Sabri Hamadeh, Habib Abu Shahla, and several nationalist ministers and deputies gathered at the house of Sheikh Hussein al-Halabi in the town of Bchamoun and announced the formation of the Free Lebanon Government, also known as the "Bchamoun Government." Two days later, a battle took place against the French on the outskirts of Bchamoun, during which the martyr Saeed Fakhr El-Din was killed. The Lebanese flag was raised for the first time in Bchamoun on November 19.

The Lebanese state continues to honor the Independence House in the Al-Halabi family home on this anniversary every year.