IPNEWS-Monrovia: For the first time in 65 years of its existence the Residents of Monrovia are not awaken to sound of Drums and beautiful show of Liberia’s cherished Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).

Today in 1956, the Liberia Legislature passed into law upgrading the once Frontier Force to the Armed Forces the Republic of Liberia.

Tracing its origins to a militia that was formed by the first black colonists in what is now Liberia, it was founded as the Liberian Frontier Force in 1908, and retitled in 1956. For almost all of its history, the AFL has received considerable materiel and training assistance from the United States. For most of the 1941–89 period, training was largely provided by U.S. advisers, though this assistance has not prevented the same generally low levels of effectiveness common to most of the armed forces in the developing world.

On Tuesday, Febuary 9, 2021, President George Manneh Weah and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, in Proclamation declared today Thursday, February 11, Armed Forces Day. The day is to be observed as a National Holiday throughout Liberia, with strict adherence to the prescribed Covid_19 health protocols.

The President’s proclamation further directs and orders all military and paramilitary organizations within Liberia to organize and execute appropriate programs and ceremonies in recognition of the Day.

According to the Proclamation, government offices as well as public and business houses are to be closed during the observance.

The Proclamation indicated that special attention and honor are to be given and paid to veterans of the Army and the Coast Guard who have been active and upheld the tenants of democracy and human rights during service.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, this 2021 marks the 64th anniversary of the Armed Forces Day celebration which will be celebrated under the theme: “Enhancing Military and Legislative Interaction in a Democracy: Liberia in Perspective.”

The Proclamation also states, “The Government of Liberia has found it necessary to recognize the talents, services, patriotism, loyalty and gallantry for the upkeep of this Noble Heritage by those men and women who are now memorialized through the establishment of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs as ordered by the Act of The National Legislature of Liberia of 22nd July 2008.”

“With the passage of the National Defense Act of 2008, the Armed Forces of Liberia remains steadfast in supporting the foundation for long-term national and international security, economic development as well as fostering regional peace for the consolidation of our emerging democracy,” the Proclamation explained further.

The Proclamation is in consonance with an Act of the Legislature of the Republic of Liberia which declared the 11th day of February of each year as “Armed Forces Day” to be observed as a National Holiday in recognition of the vital role of the Armed Forces of Liberia plays in defending and protecting Liberia’s territorial integrity and its people from foreign aggression and upholding the social and political liberty of the people of Liberia as enshrined in the constitution of Liberia.

The proclamation also emphasized that with the professional development of men and women in arms, the Armed Forces of Liberia has been reinvigorated to discharge its constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the Liberian borders, including, being vigilant for any foreign aggression against the state.

The release also asserted that the Armed Forces of Liberia has directly and technically engaged in road construction efforts, international peacekeeping in Mali, Sudan and South Sudan and other sector initiatives across the country.

The Proclamation further notes that the observance of the event will inculcate the sense of loyalty and patriotism in the citizens as well as recognize the immense and sacrificial services rendered by the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces of Liberia for the protection of a free and democratic State of Liberia.

As part of the observance of the Armed Forces Day celebrations, several active personnel and veterans or retirees of the Armed Forces of Liberia, including the current Minister of National Defense Maj/Gen. Daniel D. Ziankahn (Rtd.), were on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, decorated and certificated for services rendered and being render to the Armed Forces of Liberia over the years.

The Armed Forces of Liberia Medal, Forces Service Ribbon, Forces Service Star, Distinguished Service Medal, Land Forces Command Medal, Training Command Medal and Professional Course Badge were some medals the AFL gave active personnel and veterans today at the AFL Headquarters.

Military awards and decorations are merits or distinctions given as a mark of honor for military heroism, meritorious or outstanding service or achievement. A decoration is often a medal consisting of a ribbon and a medallion.

“The need to decorate and award distinguished personnel of the AFL for their outstanding and dedicated services to the AFL came about to boost the morale of active duty personnel and to acknowledge the outstanding services which the veterans rendered to Liberia while serving in the military,” Major General Johnson emphasized.

The program marking the presentation of Distinguished Service Medals and Certification started with an opening remark by the Chief of Staff of the AFL and ended with a closing remark from the Minister of National Defense. The Minister of National Defense and the Chief of Staff of the AFL got the Armed Forces of Liberia Medal (AFLM) which is given to personnel who grows to the position of Chief of Staff of the AFL.

Relatives of the honorees and well-wishers attended the program.