By Lincoln G. Peters
The Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) in collaboration with LoneStar Cell MTN have outlined their activities for the 66th Armed Forces Day Celebration.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, 26 January 2023 at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) Barrack in Monrovia, Assistant Defense Minister for Public Affairs Sam Collins said the Armed Forces Day historically was legislated on February 11, 1957.
He said the sole intent was to pay homage to the men and women in arms of the AFL who are making tireless sacrifices to maintain the security of the nation.
He said it was to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives for their country in the line of their selfless duties.
According to Minister Collins, each year, the President of the Republic of Liberia and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia by proclamation declares February 11 as “Armed Forces Day” to be observed as a National Holiday throughout the Republic.
Minister Collins said on February 11, 2023, the AFL will be celebrating its 66h Armed Forces Day and 115 years of existence, dating back to 1908.
“The Armed Forces Day celebration has always been used as an opportunity for the public, foreign guests, and dignitaries to be acquainted with activities regarding the development and progress within the AFL,” he noted.
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The Minister disclosed that the theme for the 66th Armed Forces Day is “Inter-Agency Collaboration: Working Together for Peaceful Elections.”
He continued that the topic for the Armed Forces Day Symposium is Fostering Effective Stakeholders Engagement for Sustainable Democracy.
According to Collins, the 66th Armed Forces Day celebrations will begin on 3 February 2023 and are interspersed with several activities.
He revealed that on Friday, 3 February, a Jumma Service for Muslims will be held at the EBK Military Barracks to dedicate the nation and AFL to the Almighty Allah for his continual guidance and protection.
Then on Saturday, 4 February, he said a cleanup campaign will be conducted within the general area of Duport Road from 6 A.M. to 12 noon.
Minister Collins stated that AFL personnel along with employees of the Ministry of National Defense and the residents of Duport Road will give the community a facelift. Medical Outreach will be held within the general area of Po River, Bomi County.
On Tuesday, 7 February, he said a Symposium will be held at the Monrovia City Hall, beginning at 10 A.M.
The symposium will bring together relevant stakeholders to deliberate on a carefully selected topic.
Further, Mr. Collins said that the topic to be deliberated upon is aimed at ensuring adequate preparation for the 2023 presidential and legislative elections.
The Keynote Speaker for the intellectual occasion is Mr. Stephen Rodriguez, UNDP Resident Representative to Liberia.
Other panelists include Mrs. Josephine Nkrumah, Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS; Rep. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; and Mr. Eugene Nagbe, Liberia Maritime Authority Boss.
Others are Reverend Father McDonald W. Nah, National Director, National Commission for Justice, Peace and Caritas (NCJPC); Imam Sheikh Ali Krayee, Chief Imam, Republic of Liberia; Madam Williametta Piso Saydee-Tar, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection; and Senator Steve J.H. Zargo, Senate Committee on Defense, Security, and Intelligence and Veteran Affairs.
Collins explained that several paramilitary institutions, students, and members of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) will participate in this auspicious event.
On Wednesday and Thursday, 8- 9 February, he said there will be a Units Display that will last for two days at the Barclay Training Center.
The event will be open to the student community from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. Students must be dressed in uniforms.
The Minister noted that in partnership, the AFL and Lonestar Cell MTN have organized a Mini- Sports Tournament, a medical outreach, a community clean-up exercise, Units’ Display, and a Symposium during the week leading up to 11 February 2023, Armed Forces Day.
Minister Collins stated that it is interesting to note that Lonestar Cell MIN in exercising her corporate and social responsibility over the last three years has partnered with the AFL to honor the excellent work of the men and women in the military.
In 2021, Lonestar Cell MTN honored wounded AFL soldiers.–Edited by Winston W. Parley
