IPNews-Monrovia: The Government of Liberia (GoL) has declared Monday, August 26, 2019 as ‘National Flag Day’, to be observed throughout the country, as a national holiday.

The statement also call on the Ministry of Education and other agencies concerned, to execute appropriate programs befitting the day.

The National Ensign of the Republic of Liberia is a visible evidence of the Country’s sovereignty and independence as well as a symbol of pride and dignity within the comity of nations.

According to the proclamation by the President, the making of the National Flag was a historic event of great significance for Liberia, as Africa’s pacesetter in the struggle for self-determination and inspire to future African states.

On October 25, 1915 through the Legislature, approved and declared the 24^th Day of August each year as national “Flag Day,” to be observed as a “National Holiday” throughout the Republic of Liberia.

The National Flag was designed and produced by a committee of ladies, led by Mrs. Susannah Lewis, who were talented and visionary citizens of Liberia.

The President, George M. Weah said whereas, “it is important and befitting that the day is commemorated annually by all citizens of the Republic it testimony of their allegiance and loyalty to the National Ensign, the embodiment of our national existence as a sovereign entity, and to encourage national pride and patriotism.”

President Weah said “by virtue of the authority in me vested, do here declare and proclaim Saturday August 24, 2019 as “National Flag Day,” to be celebrated on Monday August 26, 2019, and call upon all citizens and foreign residents within our borders to give prominence to the observance of the Day throughout the Republic by flying the National Flag from each dwelling and public building, and that government offices, public and business houses be closed on this Day.”

The Flag consists of six red stripes and five alternating white stripes, totaling eleven stripes, each representing one of the eleven signers of the Declaration of Independence of Liberia, a blue field, in the upper left corner of a rectangular form with a single white star in the center of the blue field, depicting Liberia as the then only independence state on the continent of Africa; the color white indicates the purity of mind of all our forebears toward each other; and the Blue for the dark continent of Africa as it was then depicted.

Meanwhile,  President George Manneh Weah has once again reiterated his commitment to the promotion and protection of women and girls against sexual gender-based violence and gender inequality.

According to an Executive Mansion release, President Weah made the pledge at his Foreign Affairs Office when he received a petition from women who reportedly represented ten civil society organizations. The women through their designated speaker, Mmenbeydo Joah-Harell petitioned the President to protect the rights of women, increase the number of women in government and, provide security in District 15, Logan Town.

The Liberian Leader told the petitioners that his commitment to gender equality and protection of the rights of women, girls and children would not diminish for any reason or by another force.

“I want to assure residents of Montserrado County, particularly voters and candidates of District 15, as well as all Liberians and the world that there would be a free, fair and transparent elections anytime under my administration,” the Liberian Chief Executive averred, adding that he would increase security presence in District #15 if there would be a rerun.

President Weah also reminded the women to take responsibility to preach peace. He urged the women to also prevail on their relatives, mainly youth, to at all times be peaceful and refrain from violence.

He used the occasion to once more call on leaders of political parties to encourage their supporters to be civil and peaceful during election times. The Liberian Leader also promised a timely and prompt investigation into last Saturday violence in District 15.