Liberia President George Manneh Weah on the observance of the 175th National Flag Day said the Lone Star is the visible evidence of the country’s sovereignty and a symbol of pride and dignity within the comity of nations. He said the veritable stamp on the map of the world unifies every Liberian, both at home and in the diaspora, presenting Liberians as One People – regardless of their regions, religious beliefs, political affiliation, or ethnicity.
“As a People, we have endured nearly a decade and a half of civil conflict, which not only took away the lives of over 250,000 Liberians but also tore the fabric of our society apart and subverted significant tenets of our culture. And now today, we are battling the end of the Corona Virus Disease, a global pandemic that has drastically interrupted every facet of our national growth and development”.
According to Mr. Weah, in spite of these tragedies, Liberians have much to celebrate today. He called on all Liberians to celebrate all that God has graciously given to them, and all that has been done by themselves to be where they are as a Nation. Mr. Weah also encouraged his people to celebrate the peace that they now enjoy, along with the development that is now starting to reach far and wide across the country.
“Fellow Liberians, we can be proud of ourselves as a country. Despite all the turbulence and disruption we have endured in our quest for a better standard of life, we can still stand firm as a nation and say we are ready to claim the future and see Liberia rise again. I say, love your flag and country, for this is the way to national peace and unity”.
Speaking under the theme “The Lone Star: A Symbol of Unity and National Development”, the Liberian Leader said his government continues to pay 12th graders WASSCE fees and support tutorial classes and the free tuition policy at all public universities, which is meant to ease the financial burden on parents and motivate our children.
President Weah calls on Liberians especially students to take their lessons seriously as the country celebrates 175 National Flag Day.
“Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, when fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation. One person can make a difference, and everyone should try”.
President Weah encouraged Liberian students not to sit, noting that his government cannot sit and watch Liberian High School students fail the WASSCE and fall behind their regional counterparts. He admonished them to take the responsibility, including their parents, to take advantage of the opportunity that the Liberia Government is offering the young people of Liberia.
“We know that we face challenges in our determination to provide quality education, better facilities, more qualified teachers, and better instructional materials to improve the education eco-system in Liberia. But, working together, we can achieve it. The value of education in your life is something nobody can take from you. If you want to be whatever you want to be, then place emphasis on getting the education that will enable you to achieve your dream”.
“The greatest peril to our Liberian democracy lies in the illiteracy of our Liberian youths, education is indeed a critical key to preserving our democracy”.
President Weah spoke at the Official Program marking the 175th Bicentennial National Flag Day Anniversary in Central Monrovia, Ashmum Streets.
Photo credit: Emassion
