By Bill W. Cooper
The conference hall of the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town was a scene filled with excitement and celebration when the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia commemorated the 248th Independence anniversary of the United States of America.
The United States’ Independence anniversary is an event commemorated officially on July 4 of every year, but the U.S. Embassy near Monrovia usually observes the historic day before its actual date.
At the jam-packed event, United States Chargè d’ Affaires, Catherine Rodriguez, praised the Liberian government for the enduring partnership and remarkable history Liberia and the US share since the founding of both countries.
Chargè d’Affaires Rodriguez also commended the government for its efforts in addressing corruption, the instituting of accountability and fostering of economic development in the country.
She noted that quest requires the full participation of the country’s citizenry to work together, and noted that it is also key that the US stand as a strategic partner for Liberia in its effort to form its own more perfect union for all Liberians.
According to her, Liberia shares a deep cultural and historic ties with the US like any country but also has its own struggles, including coming to grips with its own civil wars through the establishment of a war crimes court to address the wrongs of the past.
“Liberia has just undergone a free and fair election and peaceful transfer of power. This is a testament to Liberia’s commitment to democracy by its people, political parties and the hard work of the National Elections Commission, international observers, and joint security team,” she stated.
“It set the example for other countries to follow. Again, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Liberian host for their warm hospitality and friendship. To all my Americans, may his fourth of July fill you with pride in our great nation and renewed sense of purpose in our mission to support peace and democracy around the world,” she added.
Gracing the occasion, President Joseph Boakai congratulated the Government and people of the United States of America on the occasion marking the observance of their 248th Independence anniversary.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining honest and respectful bilateral ties with the US, stating that cooperation between the two countries is essential for Liberia’s development.
Boakai recounted the historical ties between the two nations and the many strides that Liberia and the US have made in standing heads-and-shoulders together in good and in bad times, sharing common positions on political ideology, liberal democracy, open capitalist economic systems, human rights, and the exercise and protection of the inalienable rights of their citizens and peoples.
“We hold these shared values sacred and have defended them unrelentingly, and will continue to defend them without compromise,” the president intoned.
He added that the two countries would continue to be aggressive for what is right for Liberia in order to save Liberia from those who want to be aggressive for what is wrong for Liberia and its citizenry.
