By Augustine Octavius
The grand old True Whig Party that ruled Liberia for over one hundred years has recommended the exhuming of the remains of the late President William R Tolbert, Jr. and 13 government officials buried in a mass grave following the 1980 military bloody coup.
On April 22, 1980, 13 officials of the Tolbert government were publicly executed and buried in a mass grave located at the Palm Grove Cemetery on Center Street in Monrovia.
Speaking at the 39th anniversary of the execution in Monrovia on Monday, TWP National Chairman, Reginald Goodridge, disclosed that the party has vast portion of land in the Clayashland, Montserrado County, following forensic identification and decent burial.
Chairman Goodridge made the proposal at the private ceremony marking the 39th anniversary of the execution of 13 officials by the military leaders
The ceremony was organized by the children and relatives of the late President William R Tolbert and the 13officials of government public executed and buried in a mass grave at the Palm Grove Cemetery on Center Street in Monrovia.
“These prominent people served this country , the African Continent and the rest of the global community with distinction and their remains should not be allowed to stay here because the future generation will hold responsible,” he said.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Pastor of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church located Monrovia City Corporation, Rita Townsend, said they came to celebrate the contributions made by these fallen leaders to the state, church and the international community.
Reverend Townsend, who is also daughter of Reginald Townsend, prayed for forgiveness of those who have contributed to their deaths and called for true reconciliation in the country.
She also pray for the success of the country left behind by these fallen leaders and called for reconciliation among Liberians .
Reverend Townsend noted that they did not gather to mourn th dead heroes but purposely to celebrate their legacy and the success of the country.
In remarks, the former Chairman of the National Investment Commission, Richard Tolbert, said the private ceremony is intended to remember the contributions of the late President Tolbert and his officials.
Dr. Tolbert, who is the son of the late President Pro Tempore of the Liberia, Frank Tolbert, disclosed that a preparation is underway for the holding of bigger program during 40th anniversary.
According to Dr, Tolbert, there is a need improve the memorial triangle in order to make more secure from intruders.
The ceremony was graced by children and relatives of the late President Tolbert and the 13 officials executed on April 22, 1980 following the military coup which brought the then Master Sergeant Samuel Kanyon Doe and his People’s Redemption Council.
The ceremony was graced by children and relatives of the late President William R Tolbert and the 13 officials of government executed on following the 1980 military coup.
On April 12, 1980, enlisted men of the Armed Forces of Liberia overthrew the True Wing Party government in a bloody coup assassinating the President, Dr. William R Tolbert and on April 22, 1980 executed 13 officials of the government.