BUCHANAN, GRAND BASSA COUNTY, LIBERIA-President Joseph Boakai says renewed global recognition has strengthened Liberia’s reputation as a democratic and responsible member among the comity of nations.
President Boakai stressed that such recognition is also expanding international partnerships, which are yielding steady results.
The Liberian Leader said:” A more united citizenry is emerging out of the country’s past struggles to build a nation anchored in democratic governance, the rule of law, and inclusive national development”.
These are contained in President Boakai’s Independence Day greetings to the nation as released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Liberian Leader then urged citizens to honor the sacrifices of their forefathers, learn from history, and build a peaceful, prosperous, and united Liberia.
The 179th Independence Anniversary ceremonies are being held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, under the theme:” Strengthening National Identity through Liberian-led Historical Leadership”.
At the same time, President Boakai announced the creation of a National Historical Recovery and Repatriation Initiative in Liberia.
He said establishing the center is key to revitalizing Liberia’s principal heritage institutions by modernizing and strengthening the National Archives and National Museum.
The Liberian Leader said the center, when established, is expected to improve the infrastructural outlook of Liberia’s national archives, preserve its dignity, and expand access for researchers, students, and scholars.
The President also announced the formulation of an inter-governmental technical committee for the full restoration of the Keneja Cultural Center.
The Liberian Chief Executive stressed the importance of professional scholarship and the National History project to document the country’s diverse experiences accurately.
In the meantime, President Boakai says the theme for this year’s Independence Day emphasizes the importance of understanding Liberia’s history to shape the future.
He said the theme calls on Liberians to take the lead in researching, preserving, and interpreting their history, attributing Liberia’s enduring cultural influence to the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the people.
The Liberian Leader said despite the country’s history of political uncertainty, economic hardship, and social division, the nation has chosen hope, reconciliation, and democracy over despair and instability.
According to the President, the government of Liberia has and will continue to support initiatives that foster reconciliation, peaceful coexistence, and create opportunities for the people.
Meanwhile, Liberia has received heartfelt congratulatory messages from countries and organizations on the occasion marking its 179th Independence Day.
The countries include the United States, Sweden, Korea, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt, Morocco, France, India, China, the Czech Republic, Cuba, and the United Kingdom, among others.
Liberia also received congratulatory messages from the United Nations, Canada, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Germany, the Global Catholic Church, Cameroon, Azerbaijan, and Guinea.
The reading of the messages has, over the years, formed part of the country’s Independence Day celebrations, recognizing the growing image of Liberia among the comity of nations.
The country, as part of the celebrations, also received unwavering congratulations from scores of Liberians in the diaspora, as well as the country’s development partners.