Armed Forces Day in Liberia
Liberia observes Armed Forces Day on February 11 as a national public holiday honoring the Armed Forces of Liberia and remembering a 1909 military mutiny episode. The date is set by national legislation, and government notices direct military ceremonies and public closures for the observance.[1][2]
A date chosen from Liberia’s history
The Ministry of National Defense traces the holiday to a 1954 proposal by Colonel Francis M. Dean for a day when military units around Liberia could gather for parades and exercises. Legislators chose a date connected with an armed confrontation during President Arthur Barclay’s administration: the mutiny led by Major Cadell, then commandant of the Liberian Frontier Force.[1]
The date changed as accounts of the 1909 episode were reviewed. The Ministry’s history says legislation first named May 9 in 1955, an amendment moved the observance to February 9 in 1956, and a further correction on January 26, 1957 set February 11. The Ministry describes the holiday as a way to honor service members and remember the actions of their predecessors.[1]
How Liberia marks the day
Armed Forces Day is a Liberian national observance, rather than simply a general tribute to militaries worldwide. Government proclamations direct military and paramilitary organizations to arrange programs that include parades and other ceremonies. Official celebrations have also honored veterans of the Armed Forces of Liberia and the Coast Guard.[2]
The Ministry of National Defense describes the holiday’s original idea as military units gathering at their headquarters for field ceremonies, parades and planned exercises. Government announcements have placed national celebrations at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia, but the venue and program can depend on the proclamation for that observance.[1][2]
Public holiday and practical effects
A Foreign Ministry notice describes February 11 as the date set each year by an act of national legislation and a national holiday throughout Liberia. Its proclamation orders government offices, public houses and business houses to close for the observance. Check with banks, shops, schools and transport providers before making plans.[2]
A Public Procurement and Concessions Commission administrative manual lists Armed Forces Day among paid public holidays for its employees and says that when a national holiday falls on Sunday, the following day is considered the official holiday. Past Foreign Ministry reporting records that this Sunday rule was applied to Armed Forces Day.[3][4]
Armed Forces Day in Liberia: FAQs
When is Armed Forces Day in Liberia?
Is Armed Forces Day a public holiday?
Yes. Liberia’s Foreign Ministry describes it as a national holiday throughout the country, and its proclamation directs government offices, public houses and business houses to close.[2]
Is there a substitute day if February 11 falls on Sunday?
Are banks, shops and public transport open?
The proclamation orders government offices, public houses and business houses to close. Check with banks, individual shops and transport providers for their arrangements.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Armed Forces Day in Liberia:
- Brief History of AFL- Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Liberia
- President Boakai Declares Wednesday, February 11, As Armed Forces Day- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Liberia
- PPCC Administrative Manual & Organogram- Public Procurement and Concessions Commission, Republic of Liberia
- Daily Media Summary Feb. 09,2018- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Liberia