President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has declared Wednesday, March 15, 2017 as the 208^th Birth Anniversary of President Joseph Jenkins Roberts to be observed throughout the country as a “National Holiday”.

The Proclamation further orders all government offices, public buildings and business houses closed on the day.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Proclamation is in consonance with an Act enacted by the 42nd National Legislature of Liberia declaring March 15^th of each year as the birth anniversary of Joseph Jenkins Roberts, first President of the Republic of Liberia as a mark of respect and relevance to his memory and untiring efforts in organizing the government of the Republic. 

The release states that the enactment is also in appreciation of the leadership role exhibited by President Roberts in negotiating and concluding treaties with foreign powers which gave recognition to the founding of the Liberian nation.  

The Proclamation further stresses that it is befitting that such honor accorded the memory of the distinguished Statesman serves as a challenge to all Liberians to aspire to higher and noble endeavors by emulating his courage, endurance, selflessness and commitment to the principles and ideals of democracy as portrayed in the works and life of Liberia’s first president.