Monrovia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has urged Liberians to turn national pride into daily responsibility, warning that the Lone Star demands unity, discipline, and service as the nation marked 179 years of its flag.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Speaking at the official program marking this year’s National Flag Day, President Boakai said the flag is more than a national symbol. The event was held at the Executive Pavilion on Ashmun and Broad Streets in Monrovia.
‘’It is beyond the cloth and the recognizable colors of our flag lies a powerful expression of our national identity, our national history, and the struggles and aspirations of our people,” President Boakai told a crowd of government officials, diplomats, students, and citizens.
From Independence to Identity
The President noted that this year’s Flag Day, which follows last month’s 179th Independence Anniversary under the theme: “Strengthening National Identity Through Liberian-Led Historical Leadership,” must give Liberians one national identity – a visible, enduring symbol.
“It reminds us of who we are, where we come from, and the Liberia we must continue to build.”
He recalled the role of the seven women led by Susanna Lewis who sewed the first flag in 1847.
“Our national flag derives from the courage and determination to give physical form to the aspirations of our people as a nation in the making,” he stated.
Say No to Drugs – A Warning To The Students
Directing part of his remarks to young people, President Boakai called on students to live by the Flag Pledge by rejecting vices that destroy the future such as drugs.
“Learn the words of the pledge, but more importantly, understand and live by them. Loyalty to Liberia means respecting your fellow citizens, obeying the laws of the Republic, rejecting violence, protecting our national symbols, working hard and preparing yourself to serve your country,” he urged.
“In particular, I urge you to say no to drugs. Drug trafficking and the use of our country as a transit and operational center pose a serious threat, especially to our young people. Do not let anyone steal your future. Stay focused, disciplined, and determined to become the citizens that Liberia needs.”
The President praised students who participated in the parade, noting: “I saw discipline. I saw precision. I saw confidence and patriotism in the eyes of our young people. I am very proud of them.” He congratulated schools recognized as Best Salute, Most Disciplined, and Best Dressed.
Lead by Example – A Message To Adult Liberians
President Boakai challenged adults and public officials to match their words with action.
“We cannot ask our children to love Liberia while we undermine its institutions. We cannot ask them to respect the law while we disregard it. We cannot demand patriotism while we place personal, ethnic, religious, or partisan interests above the national good,” he declared.
As the head policymaker of the country, the Liberian leader announced the reintroduction of civic education in primary schools and the launch of standardized civic textbooks nationwide as a step toward restoring knowledge of the Constitution, history, and citizenship.
Commemoration, Not Complacency
Calling for national unity and development, the President intoned that the flag demands action against division and corruption.
“Our flag calls on us to action. It demands that we reject division, hatred, corruption, violence, and every force that threatens our national fabric,” he said.
“It calls on us to build a Liberia where our roads connect our people, electricity reaches more communities, healthcare improves, education is transformed, opportunities expand, our young people are not subjected to drugs, and every citizen can take pride under the Lone Star,” the President asserted, emphasizing that the flag belongs to every Liberian.
“To the elder in the village and the leader in the city, to the farmer in Lofa, the fisherman on the coast of Maryland, the worker in Monrovia, and to every Liberian at home and abroad. It belongs to all of us.”
One People, One Destiny
President Boakai called on Liberians to honor the sacrifices of the past and build for the future.
“May our flag continue to fly proudly over land and sea, and across the world, where for nearly two centuries it has served as a beacon of hope… May it remind us always that we are one people, one nation, with one destiny,” he said.
“As we always say, in all that we do: let us think Liberian, love Liberia, and together build Liberia. God bless the Lone Star. God bless the Republic of Liberia.”
Meanwhile, Education Minister, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, said the reintroduction of civil and the launch of its textbooks will help propel Liberian young learners into responsible leadership and love for nation.
The Minister extolled President Boakai for his stewardship of the country that continues to bring improvement in the educational sector of the country.
