–Under the Theme: “Inter-Agency Collaboration: Working Together for Peaceful Elections”

The Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) have released the calendar of events leading to the 66^th Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) celebration for the year 2023.

The Armed Forces Day historically was legislated on February 11, 1957, with the sole intent of paying homage to the men and women in arms of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) who are making tireless sacrifices to maintain the security of our nation as well as those who had sacrificed their lives for their Country and people in line of their selfless duties. 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 including parades and other ceremonies in recognition of the Day.

It is interesting to note that Lonestar Cell MTN in exercising her corporate social responsibility over the last three years has partnered with the AFL to honor the excellent work of the men and women in the military.

In 2021, Lonestar Cell MTN honored wounded AFL soldiers. This year, in partnership, the Armed Forces of Liberia and Lonestar Cell MTN have organized a Mini- Sport Tournament, a medical outreach, a community clean-up exercise, Units’ Display, and a Symposium during the week leading up to 11 February 2023, Armed Forces Day. On February 11, 2023, the AFL will be celebrating its 66th Armed Forces Day and 115 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 within the AFL.

The theme for the 66th Armed Forces Day is “Inter-Agency Collaboration: Working Together for Peaceful Elections,” while the topic for the symposium is “Fostering Effective Stakeholders Engagement for Sustainable Democracy.”

According to the Defense Ministry, the 66th Armed Forces Day celebrations which begins 3 February 2023 is interspersed with several activities. The activities will include the following: Friday, 03 Feb 23 – Jumma Service at the EBK Military Barracks (EBK) –The Jumma Service is a Muslim prayer service that dedicate the nation and Armed Forces of Liberia to the Almighty Allah for his continual guidance and protection.

Saturday, 04 Feb 23 – Civil Military Relations: The Cleanup Campaign: “This will be conducted within the general area of Duport Road from 0600-1200hrs. 100 AFL personnel along with employees of the Ministry of National Defense and the residents of Duport Road will give the community a facelift. The AFL Band will provide music. The AFL is executing this year’s cleanup campaign in partnership with the Lonestar Cell MTN and Paynesville City Corporation (PCC).”

The Medical Outreach: “This will be held within the general area of Po River, Bomi County. The exercise will be conducted from 0500hrs -1500hrs. A team of 20 personnel from the Medical Command will cover general health education, HIV prevention messages and basic medical screening for the local inhabitants. A few outpatient treatments will be applicable.”

The Mini-Sport Tournament: “This will bring together the Joint Security, Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), Liberia Motorcycle Union, Tri-Cycle Union and the Liberian National Student Union (LINSU) at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, commencing at 1000hrs. The tournament will also see 2 female soccer teams from the Liberia Football Association participating at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex. Sunday, 05 February 2022- Thanksgiving Service – International Military Church, Edward Binyah Kesselly Military Barracks, Schiefflin, Margibi County.”

Tuesday, 07 February 2023 – Symposium – “The symposium will be held at the Monrovia City Hall, beginning at 1000hrs. It will bring together relevant stakeholders to deliberate a carefully selected topic- ‘Fostering Effective Stakeholders Engagement for Sustainable Democracy.’ The topic is aimed at ensuring adequate preparation for the 2023 general and Presidential elections.”

The Keynote Speaker for this intellectual occasion is Mr. Stephen Rodriguez, UNDP Resident Representative to Liberia. Other panelists include Mrs. Josephine Nkrumah, Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS; Honorable Jonathan Fonati Koffa, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives; Honorable Eugene Nagbe, Commissioner, Liberia Maritime Affairs; Reverend Father McDonald W. Nah, National Director, National Commission for Justice, Peace and Caritas (NCJPC); Imam Sheikh Ali Krayee, Chief Imam, Republic of Liberia; Honorable Williametta Piso Saydee-Tarr, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection; Honorable Steve J.H. Zargo, Senate Committee on Defense, Security and Intelligence and Veteran Affairs.

Invited guests to the event include Ambassadors, the Legislature, Clergies, international and local NGOs, some prominent citizens, Academics, and the Fourth Estate. Additionally, several paramilitary institutions, students, and members of the Press Union of Liberia will participate in this auspicious event.

Wednesday 08- Thursday 09 February 2023- Units Display– “The Units’ Display will last for two days at the Barclay Training Center. The event will be open to the student community from 0800hrs to 1500hrs. Students attending the Units’ Display must be dressed in uniforms. During this exhibition, various units of the AFL will showcase their equipment at different stations. The units will display the capabilities, roles and functionalities within the AFL.”

Saturday 11 February 2023– “The official celebration will kickoff at 6000hrs at the Barclay Training Center (BTC). This year Armed Forces Day will be hosted under the theme: “Inter-Agency Collaboration: Working Together for Peaceful Elections.”  Maj Gen Pablo Estrada, Commanding General, 46th Military Police Command (Task Force 46), Lansing, Michigan, will serve as the Guest Speaker for the 66th Armed Forces Day.”

The Defense Ministry says, the Parade will be reviewed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia and President of Liberia. It will be graced by the presence of very imminent and distinguished traditional leaders, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, Diplomatic Corps, the Clergy, the Academia, Distinguished Liberia Citizens and Senior Officers of the AFL, retired and serving alike. Other important dignitaries will include the Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard, United States, and the AFL principal Staff Officers.

The official celebration brings together all National Security Services (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 Correction and Rehabilitation, Forestry Park Rangers, and Liberia Scout Association) to form part of the parade at the BTC Parade Ground and a march through the principal streets of Monrovia.

Colonel Washington Bowier (Rtd), Liberia Air Wing; and Lt Col Nathaniel NP Nah, Sr., (Rtd), Liberia Air Wing, have been selected as recipients of this year Distinguished Service Order (DSO).  These distinguished personalities have served the Armed Forces of Liberia over the years with unwavering dedication and distinction. Thus, they are well placed to receive the DSO.

The day will be climaxed with a demonstration, display of equipment and a parade through the principal streets of Monrovia, commencing from the Barclay Training Center (BTC).