MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Ministry of National Defense has outlined an extensive program of events to mark the 68th Armed Forces Day, set to take place on February 11, 2025. The celebrations, which will honor the vital role of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), will also commemorate the 117th anniversary of the AFL since its formation in 1908.
At a press briefing on Monday, February 3, Anthony Boakai, the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry, shared details about this year’s Armed Forces Day. He explained that the celebrations will revolve around the theme, “Sustaining Peace and Security through Stakeholders’ Engagement: The Role of the Armed Forces of Liberia,” underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to maintain peace and security.
The celebrations kicked off on February 2, with a 7.5K Run organized in memory of Captain Venus Dean, in collaboration with the Liberia Athletics Federation. Later that day, a symposium was held at the EJS Ministerial Complex, focusing on effective collaboration between agencies to promote sustainable democracy. The keynote address at the symposium was delivered by Dr. Alaric Tokpah, the Acting Chairman of the Governance Commission. Various experts participated in the panel discussion, including Cllr. Dr. Arthur T. Johnson from the University of Liberia’s Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law and Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The commemoration also features a variety of community engagement and outreach activities. A Jummat Service is scheduled for February 7 at the Fish Market Mosque in Sinkor, while a clean-up campaign will take place the following morning in the Crown Hill-Snapper Hill area of Monrovia. These efforts are designed to bring together members of the AFL and the community, promoting solidarity and service.
On February 8, a medical outreach program will be conducted by a 20-member team from the AFL Medical Command at Gaya Hill in Bomi County. The program will provide health education, HIV prevention messages, and basic medical screenings to the local population. The same day, a mini-sports tournament will be held at the Barclay Training Center, featuring football, volleyball, and kickball matches among teams from the AFL, the Liberia National Police (LNP), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), and several major institutions, including banks and telecom companies.
The program will culminate on February 9 with a Thanksgiving Service at Effort Baptist Church in Paynesville, followed by the main Armed Forces Day celebration on February 11 at the Barclay Training Center. Starting at 7:00 a.m., the event will include a grand military parade, speeches, and reflections on the progress of the Armed Forces and its continued role in upholding the security and peace of the nation.
