Liberia Independence Day

TODAY, the Republic of Liberia celebrates the 170th anniversary of its independence from the American Colonization Society in 1847. This year’s Independence Day anniversary activities are expected to be held in Monrovia, Montserrado County, with the theme “Sustaining the Peace.” Liberian Independence Day is a National Day that traditionally features the hoisting of the national flag, parades, child performances, speeches from key government officials and other festivities.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has urged her constituents to participate in solemn cooperation with all prelates, priests, deacons, evangelists, imams, elders and other members of the sacerdotal order, regardless of religious creed, to gather together with one purpose in their respective places, especially in the City of Monrovia, Montserrado County, on Friday, July 21, and Sunday July 23, and offer thanks and praises to God for His past and continuing blessings upon their nation. Its embassies and citizens who are based in other countries have also lined up activities to mark the day. The Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in Washington, DC, will hold a Cultural Extravaganza on July 22, an Intercessory Prayer Service on July 23, and a Diplomatic Reception on July 26.

Liberia, which is Africa’s first and oldest republic, is one of the two countries in that continent – the other being Ethiopia – that was not colonized by European explorers. Its affiliation with the United States of America makes its history distinct from that of other countries in Africa. Located on the West African coast, Liberia is bordered by Sierra Leone in the west, Guinea in the north, and Ivory Coast in the east. Salt-tolerant mangrove trees line up its coasts. Monrovia, its capital, is the center of Liberia’s cultural, political, and financial hub.

Liberia is a founding member of the United Nations. It is also a member of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the African Development Bank, the Mano River Union, and the Non-Aligned Movement. The country is also a member of the International Criminal Court with a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the US-military.

We greet the People and Government of the Republic of Liberia led by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, on the occasion of its 170th Independence Day.