MONROVIA: As part of the Armed Forces of Liberia’s (AFL) annual celebration, which is the Armed Forces Day, the AFL will tomorrow Tuesday, 6 February 2024 host a symposium at the EJS Ministerial Complex, Congo Town beginning at 10: 00 Am in Monrovia.
The Armed Forces Day historically was legislated on February 11, 1957, with the sole intent of paying homage to the men and women of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) who are making tireless sacrifices to maintain the security of our nation as well as our non-active duty personnel and fallen heroes.
Each year, the President of the Republic of Liberia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, by Proclamation declares February 11th as “Armed Forces Day” to be observed as a National Holiday throughout the Republic.
The Proclamation directs all military and paramilitary organizations within the Republic to organize and execute appropriate programs in recognition of the Day.
Disclosing this at a News Conference held at the Barclay Training Center over the weekend, the Director of Press and Public Affairs of the Ministry of National Defense Anthony Lander said the symposium will bring together relevant stakeholders to deliberate on a carefully selected topic- “The Armed Forces commitment to sustainable democracy in contemporary Time”. Which he noted aimed at ensuring that the AFL remains committed to sustaining democracy nationally and internationally.
According to him, Mr. Eddie D. Jarwolo, Executive Director, Naymote Partners for Democracy and Development will serve as Keynote Speaker for the symposium while Dr. Anthony L. Hena, Professor, Kofi Annan Institute for Conflict Transformation, University of Liberia, will serve as the moderator for the discussion.
He named the discussants as Mr. Roland AD Fahngon, Sr., Chairman, Public Administration Department, AME Zion University; Dr. Nathaniel B. Walker, ECOWAS Commission, Liberia; Faculty Member and Researcher at the University of Liberia; Prof. Martin Scott, Associate Professor in Media and Global Development, University of East Anglia and Cllr. Oscar Bloh, Chairperson, Elections Coordinating Committee.
Lander also named Invited guests to the event as members of the diplomatic corps, the Legislature, members of the clergy, international and local NGOs, some prominent citizens and the Fourth Estate. Additionally, several paramilitary institutions, students, and members of the Press Union of Liberia will participate in this event.
Speaking further he said on Thursday and Friday, 8 and 9 February 2024 the Unit Static Display will be held at the Barclay Training Center which will be for university students only and will begin from 9am to 3pm adding that, University students attending the Units Static Display must be dressed properly.
He pointed out that, during this exhibition, various units of the AFL will showcase their equipment at different stations and the units will display a few of the capabilities, roles and functions within the AFL.
He also said on Friday, 9 Feb 2024 there will be a Jummat Service which will be held at the Heritage/ Wamma Mosque, in Red Light, Paynesville, beginning at 1200.
Lander indicated that the Jummat Service is a Muslim prayer that dedicates the nation and the Armed Forces of Liberia to the Almighty Allah for his continual guidance and protection.
He stressed that, on Saturday, 10 Feb 2024 there will be a Cleaning -UP Campaign which will be conducted within the general area of Freeport to Gabriel Tucker’s Breach, Montserrado County beginning at 6:30am.
He noted that, 100 AFL personnel and employees of the Ministry of National Defense, as well as staff of Lonestar MTN and some residents will work to give the involved communities a facelift while The AFL Band will provide music during the clean-up exercise.
He also said that there will be a Medical Outreach which will be held at Gaya Clinic, Bomi County that begin at 7:30am with a team of 20 personnel from the AFL Medical Command conducting general health education, HIV prevention messages and basic medical screening for the local inhabitants. Outpatient treatments will be administered.
“It is interesting to note that this year, Lonestar Cell MTN, Liberty Investment and Jetty Trading Corporation in exercising their corporate social responsibilities are partnering with the AFL to honor the excellent work of the men and women in the military” he said.
