GORZON, Côte d’Ivoire – Liberians residing across communities in Côte d’Ivoire’s Tabou Region on Sunday, July 26 celebrated the 179th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Liberia, marking what organizers described as the first organized Independence Day celebration of its kind in the region.

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By Peter P. Toe, Jr

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The celebration began with a parade through the streets of Gorzon before participants gathered for an indoor program featuring patriotic songs, prayers, cultural performances, speeches and entertainment.

The event focused on promoting unity among Liberians living in the diaspora while celebrating Liberia’s independence.

According to the organizers, the program brought together Liberians residing in Nero Village, Tebiken, Bada, Aglimo, Gorzon, Weh Village, Debe Town, Joulabougou, V2, George Town  and Joblee.

Chief Organizer Harrison Brownell, a native of Maryland County who resides in Weh Village, said the celebration was the fulfillment of a long-held dream.

“It wasn’t easy, but today our dream has come true,” Mr. Brownell said, adding that organizers have agreed to make the celebration an annual event every July 26.

Delivering the keynote address, Emmanuel Brownell, Head Pastor of the English Assembly of God Church in Gorzon, reflected on the sacrifices made by Liberia’s forefathers and encouraged Liberians living in Côte d’Ivoire to remain united.

He urged Liberians in the diaspora to preserve their culture, values, and national identity, describing unity as essential to keeping Liberia’s heritage alive outside the country’s borders.

Among those attending was 60-year-old Rose Hinneh, who said she is originally from Barclayville, Grand Kru County.

Madam Hinneh told FrontPage Africa that she relocated to Côte d’Ivoire during Liberia’s civil war in 1990 and has remained there ever since.

She said the celebration brought back a sense of national pride and expressed appreciation for the positive reports she continues to receive from Liberia.

“I am happy to be called a Liberian,” she said. Chief of the Liberian Community in the Tabou Region, Daniel Wesseh, praised the cordial relationship between Liberians and the Government and people of Côte d’Ivoire.

“We thank the Government and people of Ivory Coast for always ensuring that we are safe here,” Mr. Wesseh said.

Another participant, John T. Weah, who hails from Grand Kru County, described raising the Liberian flag during the celebration as a proud moment.

He said hearing about ongoing development initiatives in Liberia encouraged him to join fellow Liberians in commemorating the country’s Independence Day.

The celebration concluded with cultural entertainment and renewed commitments from organizers and community leaders to sustain the event annually, with the goal of strengthening unity among Liberians residing throughout the Tabou Region of Côte d’Ivoire.