MONROVIA: The Director of Press and Public Affairs at the Ministry of National Defense, Anthony Lander, has disclosed that Madam Christine Umutoni, Resident Coordinator, United Nations, Liberia, will serve as the Guest Speaker for the 67th Armed Forces Day celebration on Monday, February 12, 2024.
He said the official celebration will kick off at 7: am at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) on UN Drive in Monrovia.
This year Armed Forces Day will be hosted under the theme: “The Armed Forces Support to Democracy: The role and responsibility of the AFL.”
In an interview with this paper on Wednesday February 7, 2024, He said the Parade will be reviewed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
According to him, it will be graced by the presence of imminent and distinguished traditional leaders, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, Diplomatic Corps, the Clergy, the Academia, Distinguished Liberian Citizens and Senior Officers of the AFL, retired and serving alike.
He pointed out that, Major General Paul D. Roger, Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard will also grace the occasion.
He stressed that, the official celebration will bring together all National Security Services, the Armed Forces of Liberia, Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, Liberia National Fire Service, Liberia Custom Service, Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency, Monrovia City Police, Liberia Seaport Police, Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Forestry Park Rangers, and Liberia Scout Association will form part of the parade at the BTC.
He emphasized that, distinguished Service Order (DSO) will be awarded to some personalities including Colonel Tevoedjre Djimon Dieudonne, Benin Army; Colonel Dokooul- Fofo Andre, Benin Army; Late Lieutenant Colonel Soglohoun Max Benin Army; Brigadier General Aaron Johnson (RETIRED), Armed Forces of Liberia, Col. Anthony F. Norpah, (RETIRED), Armed Forces of Liberia, and Counsellor Frances Johnson Allision.
He noted that, these distinguished personalities in varied ways have served the Armed Forces of Liberia and the Republic of Liberia over the years with unwavering dedication and distinction. Thus, they are well placed to receive the DSO.
Speaking further, Lander said the Armed Forces Day Ball which is one of several activities lined up to commemorate the Armed Forces Day (AFD) celebration is Scheduled for 12 Feb 2024 at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Monrovia, beginning at 1800hrs.
Uniquely, he added on Monday, February 12, 2024, the AFL will be celebrating its 67th Armed Forces Day and 116 years of existence, dating back to 1908.
“The Armed Forces Day celebration has always been used as an opportunity for the public, foreign guests and dignitaries to be acquainted with activities regarding the development and progress of the AFL” he said.
He noted 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.
“It can be recalled that in 2021, Lonestar Cell MTN honored wounded AFL soldiers” he said.
According to him, in 2023, with support from Lonestar Cell MTN, the Armed Forces of Liberia organized and executed a Mini- Sport Tournament, a Medical Outreach, a Clean-up Campaign, Units Static Display and a symposium during the week leading up to Armed Forces Day.
