MONROVIA, LIBERIA: Official ceremonies marking Liberia’s Armed Forces Day take place on Monday.
February 11 every year is Armed Forces Day anniversary, but because the day falls on Sunday, official celebrations marking the day will be held on Monday, February 12, 2018, a Presidential Proclamation said at the weekend.
President George Weah, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) declared Sunday, February 11, 2018, as “Armed Forces Day.” The Day is to be observed on Monday, February 12, 2018, throughout the Republic as a National Holiday, according to a Foreign Ministry press release.
The Proclamation further directs all military and paramilitary organizations within the Republic to organize and execute appropriate programs including parades and other ceremonies in recognition of the Day.
According to a Foreign Ministry release this year’s Armed Forces Day’s celebration will be commemorated under the theme: A Force For Good – Promoting Stability and Contributing to Peace and Reconciliation in Liberia.
The Proclamation is in consonance with an Act of National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, declaring the 11TH day of February of each year as Armed Forces Day to be observed as a National Holiday.
The release further instructs that special attention be given to veterans of the Army and Coast Guard, who have seen active and experienced actual service therein. It further mandates that all government offices, public and business houses be closed during the observance.
The Proclamation states that the commemoration is in recognition of the vital role of the Armed Forces of Liberia in defending and protecting the territorial integrity of the state and its people from foreign aggression, thereby upholding the social and political liberty of its people as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
The Presidential Proclamation further recounts that the Government of Liberia sees it necessary to recognize the talents, services, patriotism, loyalty and gallantry for the upkeep of the country’s noble heritage by those men and women, who are now memorialized through the establishment of the department of veterans affairs as ordered by the Act of National Legislature of Liberia on 22nd July 2008.
The Foreign Ministry release recalls that with the passage of the National Defense Act of 2008, the Armed Forces of Liberia remain steadfast in supporting the foundation for long-term security and economic development of the country as well as fostering regional peace and security for the consolidation of Liberia’s emerging democracy.
The release asserts that with the professional development of the men and women in arms, the Armed Forces of Liberia has been reinvigorated to discharge its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the country’s borders, including remaining vigilant for possible foreign aggression against the state.