President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called on Liberians to strengthen national unity, uphold the rule of law, reject corruption and violence, and protect the country’s young people from the growing threat of illegal drugs.
President Boakai made the remarks Monday, August 24 at the Executive Pavilion in Monrovia during Liberia’s 179th National Flag Day celebration, attended by members of the Cabinet, lawmakers, Supreme Court justices, diplomats, traditional and religious leaders, educators, students, and senior officials of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
The President said Flag Day provides an opportunity for Liberians to reflect on the country’s history, national identity and collective responsibility to build a stronger Liberia.
He said the national flag represents more than its colors and design, describing the Lone Star as a powerful symbol of Liberia’s identity, struggles, aspirations and sovereignty since independence in 1847.
According to him, the celebration is particularly significant because it follows Liberia’s 179th Independence Anniversary, which was observed last month under the theme, “Strengthening National Identity Through Liberian-Led Historical Leadership.”
He said independence gave Liberia the sovereignty to define itself as a nation, while the national flag provides a visible and enduring symbol of that identity.
President Boakai also recalled the historical role of seven women, led by Susana Lewis, who stitched Liberia’s first national flag in 1847 as the country prepared to declare independence.
He emphasized that nation-building has never been the responsibility of a few individuals, but rather the collective duty of Liberians regardless of county, ethnicity, religion, age or social background.
Turning his attention to young people, President Boakai urged students to understand and live by the principles contained in Liberia’s national pledge.
He encouraged students to demonstrate loyalty to Liberia by respecting fellow citizens, obeying the law, rejecting violence, protecting national symbols, working hard and preparing themselves to serve the country.
The President issued a strong warning against illegal drugs, particularly amid renewed concerns over drug trafficking networks attempting to use Liberia as a transit and operational center.
“I urge you to say NO to drugs,” President Boakai told students, warning that involvement in narcotics could destroy their future and undermine Liberia’s development.
He also challenged adults to uphold the same national values they expect from young people, saying citizens cannot demand patriotism from children while undermining national institutions, disregarding the law or placing ethnic, religious, political and personal interests above the national good.
President Boakai said Liberia’s national pledge should therefore be treated as a national covenant whose principles must be reflected in homes, schools, workplaces, communities and public service.
He also highlighted the reintroduction of civics education in primary schools and the official launch of standardized civics textbooks across Liberia.
The President described the initiative as an important step toward restoring young Liberians’ understanding of the country’s history, Constitution, national symbols, rights, responsibilities and principles of citizenship.
He further praised students who participated in the Flag Day activities at the Barclay Training Center, saying he observed discipline, precision, confidence and patriotism among the young participants.
The President congratulated schools recognized for Best Salute, Most Disciplined and Best Dressed, attributing their achievements to the dedication of parents, instructors, school administrators, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of National Defense and the National Bureau of Veteran Affairs.
He cautioned Liberians against treating national celebrations merely as ceremonial occasions, stressing that the national flag should inspire concrete action to address the country’s challenges.
The President called for a Liberia free from division, hatred, corruption and violence, while emphasizing the need for improved roads, expanded electricity access, better healthcare, transformed education and greater opportunities for young people.
President Boakai said the national flag belongs equally to every Liberian, whether a student in Grand Kru, a farmer in Lofa, a fisherman along the Maryland coast, a worker in Monrovia or a Liberian living abroad.
He urged citizens to recommit themselves to the values represented by the Lone Star, honor the sacrifices of previous generations, act responsibly in the present and build a better country for future generations.
The President further called for the Liberian flag to continue flying as a symbol of hope, freedom and sovereignty, while urging citizens to remember that they are “one people, one nation, with one destiny.”
He said the values represented by the Lone Star should continue to guide Liberia toward greater love, peace and prosperity.
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