Flag Day in Liberia
Liberia observes Flag Day every August 24, honoring the national flag as a symbol of the country’s sovereignty, independence, and national pride. The date marks the flag’s first hoisting in 1847, shortly after Liberia declared independence.[1][2]
A national holiday with a fixed date
Liberia’s National Legislature declared August 24 an annual National Flag Day in an act approved on October 25, 1915. Government proclamations describe it as a national holiday throughout the country and call for government offices, public places, and business houses to close during the observance.[1]
The Decent Work Act, 2015, provides for paid holidays on public holidays specified in the Patriotic Observances Law. It also allows an employer to request that an employee work on a public holiday; an employee who agrees is entitled to twice the normal rate, subject to the Act’s provisions.[2]
The flag’s history and meaning
Liberia’s flag was first hoisted on August 24, 1847, 22 days after the declaration of independence on July 26. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the flag was designed and made by a committee of women led by Susannah Lewis.[3][4]
The design has six red and five white stripes, with a white star on a blue field. A Liberian proclamation describes the stripes as representing the eleven signers of the Declaration of Independence; it connects the star with Liberia’s status as Africa’s only independent state at the time, and the flag’s colors with the independence struggle and Africa.[3]
How Liberia observes the day
Official calls for the observance ask citizens and foreign residents to display the national flag at homes and public buildings. The Ministry of Education and other government agencies have also been directed to arrange appropriate programs. Presidential statements at Flag Day events have linked the flag with patriotism, unity, and the country’s history.[1][3][4]
The annual date is August 24. An official notice in 2014 scheduled the observance for the following Monday because August 24 fell on a Sunday that year. Check official announcements for any future change to an observance or closure.[5]
What to expect
Government notices have ordered government offices, public places, and business houses closed for Flag Day. Check bank hours, transport schedules, and street access with individual services and local authorities before making plans.[1]
Flag Day in Liberia: FAQs
When is Flag Day in Liberia?
Is Flag Day a public holiday?
Yes. Liberia’s legislature declared it a national holiday, and government proclamations describe it as a holiday throughout the country.[1]
Do employees get the day off?
The Decent Work Act provides paid holidays for public holidays specified in the Patriotic Observances Law. The Act also allows an employer to request work on a public holiday under stated conditions.[2]
Are shops, banks, and transport services open?
Government notices have ordered government offices, public places, and business houses closed. Check bank hours and transport schedules with specific services before travelling.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Flag Day in Liberia:
- President Sirleaf Declares August 24, National Flag Day : To Be Observed as A National Holiday- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia
- Decent Work Act, 2015- Civil Service Agency, Republic of Liberia
- Tuesday, August 24, is ‘National Flag Day’; To Be observed as a National Holiday In Liberia- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia
- President Weah Invokes Patriotic Spirit, Calling on Citizens to Cherish and Take Pride in National Flag- Executive Mansion, Republic of Liberia
- President Sirleaf Declares August 24 National Holiday- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia