Armed Forces Day in Liberia is held annually on February 11, and we are motivated and encouraged to remember the heroic deeds of men in the Armed forces in Liberia. It is such a time to celebrate their sacrifices and diligence in the face of grueling circumstances. Did you know that in the 19th century, Liberia was protected by a militia long before the Armed Forces of Liberia was formed? An act of the National Legislature in the Republic of Liberia declared February 11 as a National Holiday.
History of Armed Forces Day
The Armed Forces Day in Liberia is a holiday set aside every year for the commemoration of all the soldiers who at one point or the other have performed heroic duties to the service of Liberia as a nation. The history of this day dates back to the 19th century when the Republic of Liberia set up the Militia, a local defense organization.
However, in the early 20th century, specifically in 1908, a formal military organization called the Liberia Frontier Force was set up by the Liberian government and was charged with the duties of patrolling the borders to prevent encroachment and also to collect taxes for the government.
Through successive governments, the military took various shapes, and the name was changed to Liberia National Guard, which later became the present Armed Forces of Liberia (A.F.L.). Historically, February 11 was declared a holiday day for the annual celebration of the Armed Forces Day in 1957. This was done to recognize an important event in this West African nation.
Over time, the purpose of this day became broader and, more importantly, so because of the Lutheran Church Massacre in the First Liberian War and the coup plot of 1980. As a result, this day now serves as a call to action to raise the bar on the security standard in the country’s armed forces.
Annually, the President and the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia proclaim February 11 as ‘Armed Forces Day,’ a holiday to be observed throughout the nation. Various activities following the proclamation include military parades and ceremonies in honor of veterans of the National Army and Coast Guards; recognition of the Armed Forces protecting the territorial integrity of Liberia from foreign aggression and encroachment.
Armed Forces Day timeline
A formal military organization called the Frontier Forces for the protection of the Liberia territory, and tax collection is formed.
The annual observance of Armed Forces Day as a national holiday commences.
The Liberia Frontier Force becomes the Liberia National Guard.
The name of the Liberia military, Liberia National Guard, is changed to Armed Forces of Liberia (A.F.L.).
Armed Forces Day FAQs
Why is Armed Forces Day important?
Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your solidarity and respect for the men and women in the Armed Forces community, for their labor and sacrifice. Furthermore, it behooves the government and the citizens of the nation to show their support in helping the families left behind by the soldiers.
What language is spoken in Liberia?
As a result of many ethnic groups in Liberia, the people speak many languages, but English is the official language spoken by the general populace. This is a result of the inflow of immigrants from the U.S. and the Caribbean in the 19th century.
Which religion is practiced in Liberia?
Research available on Wikipedia shows that 83 to 86% of the Liberia population practice Christianity. Conversely, around 11 to 14% practice Islam while the others practice indigenous religions from various ethnic groups.
How to Observe Armed Forces Day
Join in solidarity
Liberia is in West Africa, and not every one of us can physically observe this celebration, but in our countries and homes, we can join them in solidarity. We can purposefully tune in to their networks to witness how they observe this day, and in our little ways too, we should appreciate the sacrifices of the Armed Forces in our respective nations.
Visit a public military display
The military authorities and personnel as a custom set up historical or educational shows for the public on a day like this. Visiting a public display like this can be eye-opening and fun. This showcase additionally offers civilians a chance to interact with military personnel face to face.
Visit a military cemetery
On this day, there are often different forms of special displays and parades at military cemeteries. Join others as they pay solemn and profound tribute to the fallen soldiers. This is a great way to show respect to the military for their sacrifices for the national interest.
5 Important Facts About Liberia
Liberian flag resembles the U.S. flag
The Liberia flag shares a strong resemblance with the U.S. flags with the stars and stripes because Liberia was founded and colonized by the United States of America.
First African female president
The Liberian president, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, is the first female president in Africa.
Liberia has many ethnic groups
Liberia is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world as it has more than twenty ethnic groups.
Monrovia is named after a U.S. president
The capital of Liberia, Monrovia, is named in honor of former U.S. President James Monroe, who championed the resettlement of former slaves to Africa in 1822.
Founded by Slaves
Liberia was founded by U.S. citizens and ex-Caribbean slaves as a colony for the former American-African slaves that were being resettled.
Why Armed Forces Day is Important
To honor the fallen soldiers
The major purpose of the Armed Forces Day in Liberia is to remember and honor the heroism and patriotism of the serving and ex-servicemen of the Liberian force. We love this!
It teaches the national history
For the younger folks who are oblivious to the struggles the nation has been through, Armed Forces Day is a special day to teach them this history and ingrain it in their consciousness. We love history and education!
It unifies the nation
For a nation with so much ethnic diversity, Armed Forces Day serves as a rallying point and a unifying factor that brings everyone together to appreciate their own. What more reason do we need to celebrate?
Armed Forces Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 11 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | February 11 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | February 11 | Thursday |
| 2028 | February 11 | Friday |
| 2029 | February 11 | Sunday |
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