After over two decades of occupation and conflict, the Israeli army withdrew its forces from south Lebanon on May 25, 2000. 

Celebrated as a national holiday, Resistance and Liberation Day is considered one of the most important in Lebanon's modern history.

Today, we remember the joy and emotion of people returning to their homes and villages, with moving photos and videos that memorialize the victory's most iconic moments. 

Here are a few of them. 

Thousands returned to their villages

Many marched back to their homes on foot

As people arrived back to their villages, moments of pure emotion and joy were captured on camera. 

Many took to the streets, dancing, chanting, embracing each other and tossing rice and flowers in the air in celebration. 

Happy Liberation Day Lebanon!