WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in Washington, D.C., in collaboration with the Liberian Community Association of the DMV (LCA-DMV), concluded activities commemorating Liberia’s 179th Independence Anniversary with a Grand Dinner and Honors Ball held at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Hall in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The well-attended celebration brought together members of the Liberian diaspora, community leaders, distinguished guests, friends of Liberia and other well-wishers for an evening celebrating Liberia’s history, cultural heritage, resilience and aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future.
A major highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by renowned Liberian historian, scholar and author Dr. Carl Patrick Burrowes, who challenged Liberians to draw lessons and inspiration from the country’s history while working collectively to build a more prosperous future.
“Liberians were winners before and can be winners again,” Dr. Burrowes declared, emphasizing the resilience, adaptability and determination that have characterized Liberian communities throughout history.
Drawing on historical patterns of migration, trade and social development in West Africa, Dr. Burrowes reflected on the experiences of Liberia’s ancestral communities and their ability to adapt to changing environmental, economic and political circumstances.
He also highlighted the contributions of Liberia’s indigenous communities to regional and international commerce, including the renowned maritime skills of the Kru people and the participation of communities such as the Gola and Vai in regional trade networks.
Dr. Burrowes urged contemporary Liberian leaders and citizens alike to embrace integrity, accountability, humility and a commitment to public service. He identified corruption as a major impediment to national development and called for a renewed national culture grounded in honesty, patriotism, responsibility and ethical conduct.
“The future of Liberia depends on the values we practice today,” he said. “We must reject corruption and cultivate a culture of integrity and responsibility.”
Former LCA-DMV Presidents Honored
Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of several former presidents of the Liberia Community Association of the DMV for their years of leadership, sacrifice and dedicated service to the Liberian community in the Washington metropolitan area.
Presenting plaques to the honorees, LCA-DMV President Sebastian Teclar commended the former leaders for their contributions to the growth and development of the Association and for helping to strengthen solidarity among Liberians in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
Mr. Teclar encouraged younger Liberians to emulate the honorees’ commitment to leadership and community service and called for broader participation in the programs and activities of the Association.
“Our community grows stronger when more people become involved,” he said. “I encourage all Liberians in the DMV to participate fully in the activities of the LCA and help advance the goals of our community.”
Ambassador Conteh Commends Diaspora and Calls for Continued Partnership
In special remarks, His Excellency Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Liberia to the United States, conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, to Liberians throughout the United States.
Ambassador Conteh thanked the Board, President and members of the LCA-DMV for their partnership with the Embassy and commended the Liberian community for the spirit of unity, patriotism and cooperation demonstrated throughout the activities commemorating the 179th anniversary of Liberia’s independence.
Reflecting on the series of commemorative activities organized in collaboration with community partners, the Ambassador said the celebrations demonstrated what can be achieved when the Embassy, community organizations, religious institutions, professionals and other members of the diaspora work together around a common national purpose.
He emphasized that Liberia’s diaspora remains an indispensable partner in the country’s development, noting its contributions through remittances, professional expertise, entrepreneurship, investment, education, advocacy and support to families and communities across Liberia.
Ambassador Conteh encouraged Liberians abroad to move beyond remittances alone and increasingly channel their knowledge, professional networks, capital and experience toward productive investment and initiatives that support Liberia’s national development priorities.
He further conveyed President Boakai’s commitment to strengthening engagement between the Government and Liberians abroad, emphasizing that the diaspora has an important role to play in advancing the Administration’s development agenda and helping to create greater economic opportunities at home.
The Ambassador also encouraged Liberians across the United States to participate in the forthcoming Liberian Diaspora Conference in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, describing the gathering as an important platform for dialogue between the Government and diaspora, as well as for networking, investment promotion, knowledge exchange and stronger institutional collaboration.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Conteh said the conclusion of the 179th Independence Anniversary activities should also mark the beginning of preparations for Liberia’s historic 180th Independence Anniversary in 2027. He called for continued cooperation among the Embassy, community organizations and Liberians throughout the United States to make the bicentennial-era milestone an even broader celebration of Liberia’s history, resilience, unity and aspirations for the future.
A Celebration of Unity and National Pride
The Grand Dinner and Honors Ball brought to a close a series of activities in the United States commemorating Liberia’s 179th Independence Anniversary. The celebrations included educational, diplomatic, religious, cultural and sporting activities organized by the Embassy in partnership with Liberian community organizations and institutions.
The evening concluded with dinner, music, cultural entertainment and fellowship as participants celebrated Liberia’s national heritage and renewed their commitment to strengthening unity within the diaspora and contributing to the country’s continued peace, progress and development.
As Liberia looks toward the historic celebration of its 180th Independence Anniversary in 2027, the Embassy extends its appreciation to the LCA-DMV, participating community organizations, religious institutions, sponsors, volunteers and all Liberians and friends of Liberia whose support contributed to the successful commemoration of the nation’s 179th Independence Anniversary.
