By Alex Yomah
The Ministry of National Defense says this year’s Armed Forces Day program will be celebrated but not with the usual celebrations.
According to the Ministry, there will be no usual parade, inspection of troops and the display of the security regalia on the principal streets of Monrovia as well as the Armed Forces of Liberia Ball, the indoor ceremony to include a keynote speaker due to Corona virus.
The Ministry said the low key celebration is owing to the observance of health protocols aimed at curtailing the spread of the coronavirus which is again becoming a pandemic in the region.
Addressing a press conference on yesterday at the Defense Ministry, Assistant Minister for Public Affairs, Sam Collins flanked by Major EL-Dorado Jebboe asserted that the army’s troops will remain in their various military facilities and listen to the President’s Armed Forces Day message virtually.
He also mentioned that due to the lack of formal program, President George Manneh Weah will deliver his podcast Armed Forces Day’s speech in the office of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Col. Prince C. Johnson.
Collins re-emphasized that On Thursday February 11, the official Armed Forces Day’s celebration will kickoff at 7:00 A.M. with virtual broadcast of the President’s speech.
The program is in reminisce of the AFL 64th celebrations and 113 years of existence since 1908. The day has always been used as an opportunity for the public, foreign guests and dignitaries to be acquainted with activities regarding development and progress within the Armed Forces of Liberia.
Even though the Ministry cancelled the parade and indoor program, it has announced that the symposium and outreach program marking the celebrations will go on as usual and the Liberia Bar Association (LBA) president, Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe will serve as keynote speaker.
Shorted listed discussants for the symposium are Bong County Representative Moima Briggs Mensah; NEC Chairperson Davidetta Brown Lansanah; Madam Cecelia N. Flomo, Acting Executive Director; Governance Commission; and Harris Fumba, Principal , Booker Washington among others personalities.
The Armed Forces Day’s Symposium will be followed by a Jummat Service at the Mandingo Quarter Mosque in Kakata City, Margibi, on Friday February 5, 2021 at 12: noon while on Saturday, February 6, a clean-up campaign and medical outreach will take place simultaneously.
The events will be followed by the launching of a mini basketball court and football tournament while the clean-up campaign will take place in Gbarnga City, Bong County beginning at 7:A.M. The medical outreach will also take place in Kpakpacon Village, Marshall Road.
The mini basketball Court will be launched at the Gray D. Allison School Campus on the United Nations Drive at 2:P.M and the day will be climaxed with sporting tournament that will include football, kickball and volleyball.
The football and kickball matches will take place among the Armed Forces of Liberia, Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC), Liberia National Police and Lonestar Cell MTN.