MONROVIA, LIBERIA-President Joseph Boakai has declared Saturday, July 26, Liberia’s 178^th Independence Day, to be observed throughout the country as a National Holiday.

President Boakai, in the proclamation, called upon all citizens and foreign residents in Liberia to observe the Day.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Presidential Proclamation mandates government offices and business houses to be closed during the observance from six in the morning to six in the evening.

The Proclamation aligns with the” Patriotic and Culture Observances Law “title 26, Liberia Code of Law of 1956, which sets aside the 26^th day of July of each year as a National Holiday to be known as “Independence Day”.

Meanwhile, the official festive celebration in observance of the Day will be held at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia, commencing at eleven in the morning, under the theme:” One People, One Destiny: Healing the Past, Building the Future”.

President Boakai is urging all citizens, in solemn cooperation with all prelates, deacons, evangelists, imams, elders, and other members of the Sacerdotal Order, to gather in their respective places of worship on Friday, July 25, in observance of the day.

In a related development, the American State of Minnesota has declared the week of July 22 through the 28^th as Liberia’s Independence Week.

The Proclamation, signed by Minnesota State Governor Tim Walz, recognizes the enormous contributions made by Liberians residing in the state.

According to a dispatch, the week aims to honor and highlight the current and historical relationship between the United States and Liberia, and the vital contributions Liberians make to the state of Minnesota.

Governor Walz, in the release, said the State of Minnesota is proud to be called home to one of the largest populations of diaspora Liberians and has greatly benefited from many residents who have taken an active role in local organizations, city commissions, and city government, among others.

The Proclamation comes as Liberians gear up to celebrate the country’s 178^th Independence Anniversary on July 26.