His Excellency President George M. Weah has expressed implicit confidence in the ability of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to effectively execute its duties, noting that he has progressively monitored the achievements of the AFL and has no doubt that it is on the right path to greatness, both locally and in the international community.
President Weah’s heap of praise was contained in his address to the gallant men and women in arms during the celebration of the 66th Armed Forces Day on Saturday, February 11, 2023, held at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) Barracks, Camp Johnson Road.
He firstly recognized the sixty-six (66) years of the unflinching dedication of the Armed Forces of Liberia to the protection of the nation, and acknowledged the honor of being the Commander-in-Chief of the AFL. “It is therefore both a pleasing duty, and a proud privilege, to celebrate with you all on this auspicious occasion, in this capacity,” President Weah stated.
President Weah said, “As Commander-in-Chief, I have implicit confidence in the ability of our troops and security forces to effectively execute their duties. I have progressively monitored the achievements of the Armed Forces of Liberia and I have no doubt that it is on the right path to greatness, both locally and in the international community.
“There are unique capacities that the AFL can bring in supporting civil authority, particularly in our development efforts as a nation. First, and foremost, we must continue to strengthen our border control mechanisms, and remain vigilant against the negatives that could affect the peace and stability of our nation and people.”
He recalled how the Liberian flag is being proudly carried by AFL soldiers in troubled regions as a way of contributing to the overall peace and security of the sub-region. “Today, our flag is being carried proudly by our soldiers in the troubled regions of Timbuktu, the Republic of Mali, the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan. Other countries where our troops are making contributions to peacekeeping include the Republic of Guinea Bissau and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These are all very volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) missions. Our hearts go out to them, and we look forward to proudly receiving them safely back home at the end of their missions,” President Weah added.
He then thanked Major General Daniel Ziankahn (Rtd.), the Minister of National Defense, and his able team for the excellent leadership they have manifested in making our Armed Forces a “Force for Good”. “Your diligence and dedication in transforming our military have earned you credibility and respectability both at home and abroad. In the same vein, let me thank you, Major General Prince C. Johnson, III, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, for your outstanding leadership and sense of discipline and direction that has engendered the confidence of the Liberian people. Congratulations!
“I know how important the family is to the men and women who serve our country. I want to personally thank all of our military families, husbands, wives, children, and extended families, for their continuous support, which positively impacts the performance of our troops.
“I wish to thank all members of the Armed Forces of Liberia—a ‘Force for Good’—for your discipline, dedication to duty, and commitment to the responsibility of protecting our territorial integrity, and for the gallantry exhibited by you in executing your missions and tasks wherever you are deployed,” the CIC of the AFL said.
This year’s Armed Forces Day was celebrated under the theme, “Inter-Agency Collaboration: Working Together for Peaceful Elections”, and Ambassador Stephen Rodriguez, the United Nations Development Program Resident Representative to Liberia, served as keynote speaker of the program. He spoke on the topic, “Fostering Effective Stakeholders Engagement for Sustainable Democracy”.
Major General Pablo Estrada, Commanding General of the 46th Military Police Command of the Michigan National Guard, served as the guest speaker of the occasion. Maj. Gen. Estrada served in Liberia in 2010 with Operation “Onward Liberty”, in providing mentorship for the New Armed Forces of Liberia.
Colonel Washington Bower (Retired) and Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Nah (Retired), who served as pilots in the former Armed Forces of Liberia, were the proud recipients of this year’s Distinguished Service Order (DSO).