The President of the Republic of Liberia and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, has, by proclamation, declared Thursday, February 11, 2021 Armed Forces Day, to be observed as a national holiday throughout the Republic, with strict adherence to the prescribed COVID-19 health protocols.
The proclamation further directs and orders all military and paramilitary organizations within the Republic to organize and execute appropriate programs and ceremonies in recognition of the day.
According to the proclamation, government offices as well as public and business houses are to be closed during the observance.
The proclamation indicated that special attention and honor are to be given and paid to veterans of the Army and the Coast Guard, who have been active in upholding the tenants of democracy and human rights.
A Foreign Ministry release says this year, 2021, marks the sixty-fourth (64th) anniversary of the Armed Forces Day, which will be celebrated under the theme, “Enhancing Military and Legislative Interaction in a Democracy; Liberia in Perspective”.
The proclamation also states that the Government of Liberia (GOL) has found it necessary to recognize the talents, services, patriotism, loyalty and gallantry for the upkeep of this noble heritage by those men and women who are now memorialized through the establishment of the Department of Veteran Affairs, as ordered by the Act Of The National Legislature of 22nd July 2008.
“With the passage of the National Defense Act Of 2008, the Armed Forces of Liberia remains steadfast in supporting the foundation for long-term national and international security, economic development as well as fostering regional peace for the consolidation of our emerging democracy,” the proclamation explained further.
The proclamation is in consonance with an Act of the National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, which declared the 11th day of February of each year as “Armed Forces Day”, to be observed as a national holiday in recognition of the vital role of the Armed Forces of Liberia plays in defending and protecting Liberia‘s territorial integrity and its people from foreign aggression and upholding the social and political liberty of the people of Liberia, as enshrined in the Constitution.
The proclamation also emphasized, “With the professional development of our men and women in arms, the Armed Forces of Liberia has been reinvigorated to discharge its Constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the Liberian borders, including, being vigilant for any foreign aggression against the state.”
The release also asserted that the Arm Forces of Liberia has directly and technically engaged in road construction efforts, international peacekeeping in Mali, Sudan and South Sudan and other sector initiatives across the country.
The proclamation further notes that the observance of the event will inculcate the sense of loyalty and patriotism in the citizens as well as recognize the immense and sacrificial services rendered by the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) for the protection of a free and democratic state.