MONROVIA, LIBERIA-President Joseph Boakai has declared Wednesday, March 12, as the”109th Decoration Day” to be observed throughout the country as a National Holiday.
The proclamation is in consonance with an Act of the National Legislature passed on October 24, 1916, declaring the Second Wednesday in March each year as “Decoration Day”, to be observed as a Public Holiday.
The Presidential Proclamation calls on ministries, agencies, local and international organizations, and the public to join the education ministry to organize and execute appropriate programs befitting the Day.
In observance of the Day, the Education Ministry has agreed to organize a parade by students, government officials, and others to the graves of President William V.S. Tubman at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion on Ashmun Street.
According to a Foreign Ministry release issued, there will also be a procession to Warren Street to the grave of President Daniel B. Warner and to the Palm Grove Cemetery on Center Street to the grave of President Joseph Jenkins Roberts.
Meanwhile, President Boakai is expected to lead an array of government officials and students, along with education stakeholders, to grace this year’s Decoration Day program.
The Presidential Proclamation states that an indoor program commemorating the Day will be held at the Providence Baptist Church on Broad and Ashmun Streets, commencing at ten o’clock in the morning.
It will also be followed by the parade and laying of wreaths on the tomb sites of selected past presidents, pioneers, and educators.
The release stressed that the Proclamation also orders that the National Ensign be flown at half-mast from all public buildings, military camps, and private residences from 6 am to 6 pm.
By: Frederick Teegwiah, Jr.