By: Austin S. Fallah -A True Friend of Liberian Press-Journalists, Media Houses, and the Noble Journalist-Press Profession Worldwide.
On this pivotal day marking World Press Freedom Day, it is incumbent upon every Liberian of goodwill to unite in applauding the Liberian Press-Journalists.
These individuals have over time proven themselves an indispensable part of our society due to their sacrificial role in fortifying the façade of democracy not only across Liberia but also for everyone within the territorial boundaries of our beloved land.
Our country’s brave sons and daughters, through their gallant acts of journalism, armed with their pens as swords, have shown an unwavering commitment to keeping us informed about local happenings as well as global developments.
It is not just their profession, but a clarion call to which they have responded with tenacity and vigor, working under trying circumstances to bring us the unfolding stories from across the landscape of Liberia and the cosmos.
Strikingly, their dedicated and sacrificial services do not always get the recognition they so richly deserve.
Yet, like rocks weathered by years of erosion yet standing firm, they soldier on in their noble quest.
As such, these unrecognized heroes soldier on, entrenched in trenches, battling mother nature’s extremities, and sometimes facing inhumane conditions.
Despite these challenges, their spirits remain untamed, their resolve unbroken, and their pursuit of truth uncompromised.
Recognizing the sacrifices they make every day, I find it fitting and indeed critical to take this opportunity to extend my profound appreciation to all Liberian Journalists.
Their noble deeds have transcended mere reporting and evolved into a beacon of hope and resilience for Liberians.
My gratitude further extends to the numerous Media Houses, the Fourth Estate, and indeed, the entire journalistic force in Liberia.
You bear the enormous and often overwhelming task of echoing the tales of our times to the masses, shaping national discourse, and steering our society toward enlightenment, transparency, and accountability.
Your work, often against the odds, is invaluable in shaping the Liberian narrative and contributing to our nation’s progressive journey.
Looking beyond our territorial boundaries, I am also compelled to appreciate Media Personnel and Press-Journalists worldwide.
Your stories cross borders, bridge divides, enlighten minds, and inculcate a sense of global community, embodying the powerful words of Edward R. Murrow, “To be persuasive, we must be believable; to be believable, we must be credible; to be credible, we must be truthful.”
In celebrating the tireless efforts of these warriors armed with pens, we acknowledge their unwavering devotion to the truth-telling profession.
They serve as true guardians of our democracy, and their strives to deliver stellar journalism remain an emblematic testament to the veracity that underpins journalism.
To each of you, I say, Kudos and Bravo!
Your commendable efforts in safeguarding our misinformation-ridden world are a luminous beacon guiding our society.
It is you, the administrators of truth and guardians of democracy, who remind us that although journalism can be a dangerous pursuit, the ideals you stand for truth, justice, and the democratic way, are worth every sacrifice.
I implore you to keep pressing on, bringing to us the undiluted truth and untold stories from the crannies that our eyes cannot reach but should.
Indeed, this is an arduous task, but like the Liberian proverb says, “No one knows the heat until one gets into the kitchen.”
Your continuance in the journalistic ‘kitchen’ is essential in preserving the robust democratic character of our society.
Your collective sacrifices echo throughout Liberia and beyond.
Indeed, you are the metaphorical light at the end of our national tunnel.
Keep up the good work, as your role is indispensable to the nation’s story and beyond.
