—– As AFL Wives Vow Nonstop Until Defense Recall
By Taisiah Merfee
IPNEWS: The government of Liberia has abruptly cancelled this year’s Armed Forces Day Program due to persistent protest by some woman calling themselves ‘AFL Wives’, contrary to Sunday’s mediation talks held with President Jospeh N. Boakai.
Last week, AFL stormed the Liberian Senate up Capitol Hill calling on that August body not to confirm Retried General Prince Johnson lll., as Defense Minister, Ministry of National Defense.
Prior to his retirement, Rt. Major General, Prince C. Johnson, served as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) from 2018 up to 2023.
According to them the outgoing chief of staff of the Army, had been selling Scholarship to individual who are not members of the Army, unfair treatment, low salary cuts, peacekeeping benefits for their husbands among others.
On yesterday Sunday, February 10, evening President Joseph Boakia met with wives of the AFL at his Rehab Office to hear their grievances.
The women highlighted challenges they are currently experiencing at the Edward Beyan Kesselly Barracks in Schieffelin. These include retirement benefits, low salary, corruption, lack of adequate insurance, education, poor housing, lack of electricity, social services, and their general welfare.
They stated these challenges have lingered on too long enough without redress as the military leadership have remained indifferent.
The Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. reassured the women that their grievances would be thoroughly investigated with a view to finding redress where possible.
The Liberian leader constituted a committee to probe into the matter and provide report in a week time. In the interim, the Liberia Electricity Corporation has restored electricity at the EBK Barrack, upon the orders of the Commander-In-Chief.
It is noted that the President has been in office for 20 days only and he has taken immediate steps already to address some of these issues which have been festering for more than five years.
Speaking to team of Journalist’s at the BTC barracks in Monrovia the Director of Press at the Ministry of National Defense said today’s Armed Forces Day Program had been cancelled due you the ongoing protest by Wives of AFL Personnel.
According to Anthony D. Lander, the planed Program had been cancelled with further information to be provided the general public later.
A statement from the Executive Mansion previously stated that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., and Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, had directed the observance of the 67th Anniversary of Armed Forces Day to be reduced to a short and low-key activity.
A late Sunday statement by the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia stated that the President would lead officials on a visit with the men and women of the Armed Forces at the Edward Beyan Kesselly Barrack in Schieffelin, Margibi County Monday, February 12, 2024.
The visit by the President to the Edward Beyan Kesselly Barrack in Schieffelin, Margibi County, followed Sunday’s meeting with Wives of the Armed Forces of Liberia Sunday afternoon to hear their grievances.
During the meeting, the women highlighted challenges they are currently experiencing at the Edward Beyan Kesselly Barracks in Schieffelin, including retirement benefits, low salary, corruption, lack of adequate insurance, education, poor housing, lack of electricity, social services, and their general welfare.
The AFL Wives also stated that their going protest action is consequence of the prolonged lingering issues without redress by leadership of the Military.
For his part, the Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. reassured the women that their grievances would be thoroughly investigated with a view to finding redress where possible.
The Liberian leader stated that He would constitute a committee to probe into the matter and provide report in a week time.
Meanwhile, the Liberia Electricity Corporation has restored electricity at the EBK Barrack, upon the orders of the Commander-In-Chief.
The President has further declared the Linda Thomas Greenfield School at the EBK Barracks tuition free.
“It is noted that the President has been in office for 20 days only and he has taken immediate steps already to address some of these issues which have been festering for more than five years.” The statement by the Executive Mansion read.
The Liberian President is at the same time requested AFL Wives to give him some time to investigate their issues and advised everyone to remain calm and peaceful as the government seeks to address their concerns.
On February 11, Liberia annually observes Armed Forces Day, during which we are inspired and motivated to commemorate the valiant exploits of men who served in the country’s armed forces. It is an opportune moment to commemorate the sacrifices and diligence they have displayed amidst trying conditions.
In the nineteenth century, a militia protected Liberia long before the creation of the Armed Forces of Liberia. An act of the National Legislature declared February 11 to be a national holiday in the Republic of Liberia.
The History of Armed Forces Day
Annually observed on Armed Forces Day, this day honors all the soldiers who have valiantly served the nation of Liberia at some point in time. The establishment of the Militia, a local defense organization, by the Republic of Liberia in the 19th century marks the beginning of this day’s history.
Nevertheless, during the early 20th century, more precisely in 1908, the Liberian government established a formal military organization known as the Liberia Frontier Force. This organization was entrusted with the dual objectives of safeguarding the borders against encroachment and generating revenue for the government through tax collection.
Following a succession of administrations, the military underwent several transformations, culminating in the designation of the current organization as the Armed Forces of Liberia (A.F.L.) by the Liberia National Guard. Historically, the annual observance of Armed Forces Day was designated as a holiday on February 11, 1957. This action was taken in honor of a significant occurrence in this West African country.
As time progressed, the significance of this day expanded, primarily due to the Lutheran Church Massacre that occurred during the First Liberian War and the 1980 coup attempt. Consequently, the current day functions as an impassioned appeal to enhance the level of security within the nation’s armed forces.
The President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia have declared February 11 to be “Armed Forces Day,” which is a national holiday. Military parades and ceremonies honoring veterans of the National Army and Coast Guards, as well as recognition of the Armed Forces for safeguarding the territorial integrity of Liberia against foreign aggression and encroachment, are among the numerous activities that ensue in the wake of the proclamation.
A Legacy of Bravery and Dedication
As the sun rose over Liberia’s bustling capital, Monrovia, the country’s military prepared for a day of celebration and remembrance. The streets filled with the sounds of marching bands and the sight of uniforms adorned with medals, reflecting the countless acts of bravery and dedication demonstrated by the soldiers throughout history.
Armed Forces Day holds immense significance in Liberia, a nation with a rich and complex past. English, the official language, is a testament to the influx of American and Caribbean immigrants in the 19th century, while the country’s diverse religious landscape has Christianity as its dominant religion.
This year’s commemoration was particularly poignant, as it served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and their families in safeguarding Liberia’s territorial integrity.
The national observance of Armed Forces Day unites Liberians in expressing gratitude for the military’s role in maintaining national security and promoting peace. Originally established in the United States in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman, the day consolidates separate military branch days to recognize the joint efforts of all military branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
As Liberia honored its armed forces, the day’s events included military parades, ceremonies, and gatherings attended by high-ranking officials, military personnel, and the public. These celebrations aimed to not only recognize the soldiers’ contributions but also to support the families left behind by the servicemen and women.
Supporting Those Who Serve
Beyond the parades and ceremonies, Armed Forces Day 2024 served as an opportunity to highlight the ongoing support needed for the families of those who serve. This year’s commemoration emphasized the importance of providing resources and assistance to help them navigate the challenges that come with having a loved one in the military.
As the day drew to a close, Liberians reflected on the bravery and sacrifices made by their armed forces. The country’s commitment to honoring these heroes remains steadfast, as Armed Forces Day continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between the people and their protectors.
In a world where the need for peace and security is ever-present, Liberia’s Armed Forces Day stands as a testament to the resilience and unity of a nation that values the sacrifices of its brave men and women in uniform.
Liberia Honors Bravery and Sacrifice: Armed Forces Day 2024
As the sun set on February 11, 2024, Liberia concluded its commemoration of Armed Forces Day, a national holiday that pays tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the country’s armed forces. Established in 1957, the day honors the soldiers who have safeguarded Liberia’s territorial integrity and protected its freedoms, marking the event in 1909 when the first militia regiment successfully thwarted a mutiny attempt.
This year’s celebration was particularly significant, as it emphasized the importance of supporting the families of those who serve. Through military parades, ceremonies, and gatherings, Liberians united in expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made by their armed forces, recognizing their vital role in maintaining national security and promoting peace worldwide.
