H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), has by Proclamation declared Tuesday, February 11, 2020, as “Armed Forces Day” to be observed as a National Holiday throughout the Republic.

The Proclamation directs all military and paramilitary organizations within the Republic to organize and execute appropriate programs including parades and other ceremonies in recognition of the Day.

According to the Proclamation, Special attention and honor will be given and paid to Veterans of the Army and the Coast Guard, who have seen active and experienced actual services therein, and up held the tenants of democracy and human rights during service, and that also all Government Offices, Public and Business Houses be closed on that Day.

According to a Foreign Ministry release this year’s Armed Forces Day in its 63^rd year will be celebrated at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) under the theme: “Strategy to incorporate more females in the Security Sector; AFL in perspective”.

The Proclamation is in consonance with an Act of National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, declaring the 11^TH day of February of each year as Armed Forces Day to be observed as a National Holiday.

The proclamation further states that the Armed Forces Day celebration is also in recognition of the vital role of the Armed Forces of Liberia 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 of Liberia.

“With the passage of the National Defense Act Of 2008, the Armed Forces of Liberia remain 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 Proclamation also states that the Government of the Republic of Liberia 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 memorialized through the establishment of the Department of Veteran Affairs, as ordered by the Act of the National Legislature of Liberia as of 22^nd July 2008.

The release further quotes the Proclamation as saying with the view to inculcate a sense of loyalty and patriotism in the citizens of the Nation as well as recognizing the immense and sacrificial services rendered by the gallant men and women of the Arm Forces of Liberia for the protection of a free and democratic State of Liberia.