President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has by Proclamation declared Thursday, February 11, 2016 as Armed Forces Day and is to be observed throughout the Republic as a National Holiday.

The Proclamation is in consonance with an Act of the National Legislature 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 (AFL) in defending and protecting Liberia‘s territorial integrity.

A Foreign Ministry release says the Proclamation directs and orders all military and paramilitary organizations within the Republic to organize and execute appropriate programs, Parades and ceremonies in recognitions of the Day. 

 According to the Proclamation, special attention and honor are to be given and paid to veterans of the Army and the Coast Guard who have seen active and experienced actual service therein.

The Proclamation furthered directed and ordered all Government offices, public and business houses closed during the observance.

The release also stated that Liberia has found 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 Veteran’s Affairs as ordered by the Act Of The National Legislature Of Liberia 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 security and economic development in Liberia as well as fostering regional peace for the consolidation of our emerging democracy “, the presidential  Proclamation declared further.

The Presidential Proclamation also asserted that with the professional development of our men and women in arms of the Armed Forces of Liberia has been reinvigorated  to discharge its constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the Liberian borders, including remaining vigilant for possible foreign aggression, against the state.

Moreover, the Proclamation further notes that the observance of the eventwill inculcate the sense of loyalty and patriotism in the citizens of the nation and recognize the immense and sacrificial services rendered by the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces of Liberia for the protection of the free and democratic state of Liberia.