With the approach on Friday of the traditional day of observance of the start of the Lebanese Civil War, civil society groups are planning to mount discussion panels and an exhibition of photographs and historic documents in an attempt to stimulate public debate and personal reflection on the legacy of the conflict and its meaning for the country's current political predicament.

Apr. 10, 2007- The Civil War Remembrance Day, to be held at the Beirut Hippodrome from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., would ideally recapture the spirit of a similar event two years ago, organizers say. In April 2005, two months after the assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri, the commemoration was re-branded "Independence 05" when a large number of Lebanese poured into the streets in a display of unity.

On April 13, 1975, unidentified gunmen killed four people outside a church in a drive-by shooting. Two of the dead were members of the Christian Phalange Party. In response, Phalangist gunmen ambushed a bus in Ain al-Roummaneh near Beirut, killing 27 of the mostly Palestinian passengers.

The events sparked fighting that would plague the country for the next 15 years.

"Though no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending," runs the official slogan for Friday's event.

Ten Lebanese organizations helped to plan the event: the Samir Kassir Foundation, the "I Love Life" campaign, the Arab NGO Network for Development, 05 Amam, Aid Lebanon, Lil Watan (For the Country), Athar Rabeeh al-Asilah (Spring Hints), the Cultural Council of Southern Lebanon, Nahar Youth and Al-Mustakeloun (The Independents).

Organizer Paola Eid, a member of the "I Love Life" campaign, says the event is intended "for the youth above all."

Photos from the Civil War years will be on display, along with historic documents from civil society groups that opposed the war at the time. Newspaper front pages from April 14, 1975, will be displayed, transporting visitors back to the mood of the times.

The photo exhibition includes a famous shot of the ruined bus by Hayat Karanouh.

Journalist Yahia Jaber plans to host a series of testimonials by war participants. In the afternoon, several one-on-one dialogues will be held "about sharing experience and memory" says Eid.

A roundtable on "Immunizing Lebanese Society against Wars" will be hosted by Walid Abboud. Guests including Farid al-Khazen, Rajeh al-Khoury, Demianos Kattar and Fadi Toufic will examine the issue from its political, journalistic and cultural angles, in order to "seek tools and means of prevention," Eid said.  The public is encouraged to attend the event.