As part of activities leading to the 62nd Armed Forces Day celebration here, the Ministry of Defense announces that 700 persons are expected to be treated free of charge in Yarkpai Clan, Todee District of Montserrado County on 9 February.
According to a briefing by the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry Defense Mr. Anthony D. Langer with defense correspondents Monday, 4 February in Monrovia, a cleanup campaign in Battery Factory, Gardnerville will be going on while the medical outreach in Yarkpai Clan, Todee takes place on Saturday, 9 February.
The celebration of Armed Forces Day each year following its legislation on 11 February 1957 is done to honor the tireless sacrifices that AFL men and women in arms make to maintain security here.
According to Mr. Langer, the purpose of the cleanup campaign and medical outreach is to enhance civil-military relations between the citizenry and the AFL.
“It also shows that the Armed Forces of Liberia has been transformed into professional force for good,” Mr. Langer says.
The Defense Ministry official indicates that the Armed Forces Day celebration on 11 February 2019 will mark the 62nd anniversary and 111 years of existence of the army, dating back to 1908.
The army here uses the day to acquaint the public, foreign guests and dignitaries with the activities regarding development and progress within the AFL.
Part of the protocol is an interactive dialogue with the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) and student group at the African Methodist Episcopal University on Tuesday, 5 February.
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Mr. Langer discloses that Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Prince C. Johnson,III, along with some senior senior ranking staff will interact with student groupings directly on Tuesday.
A symposium will als be held on thursday, 7 February at the Monrovia City Hall under the theme: “Sustaining Peace and Security in Liberia through Capacity Building and Provision of Welfare for the AFL.”
Four persons from the AFL and an organization called Sea Shepherd are expected to receive this year’s Distinguished Order.
These distinguished personalities have served the Armed Forces of Liberia over the years dating back to 2007.
They include Lt. Col. David Huber; Lt. Col. Mustapha Jimoh; Lt. Col. Emmanuel Larbi Sarpong Gyadu; and SGT Brima A. Massalay, an active duty AFL personnel and an organization called Sea Shepherd.
Sea Shepherd is a Conservation society, an international non – profit marine wildlife conservation organization that has been working along with the Liberian Coast Guard over the years.
The Army says the day will be climaxed with a demonstration, display of equipment and a parade through the principal streets of Monrovia, commencing from the Barclay Training Center (BTC).
By Winston W. Parley
