Liberia Armed Forces Day

Liberia Armed Forces Day

February 11

On this day, Liberians honor the soldiers of the country's armed forces. Festivities often include regiment parades and a public address from the Liberian president or the commander-in-chief. Since the day's first observance in 1957, the holiday has evoked mixed memories for Liberians, as the army has been linked with the chaos that plagued the country at the end of the 20th century.
Unlike many of its African neighbors, Liberia steered clear of military coups during the relatively peaceful years under President W. V. S. Tubman (1944–71). However, the army did help carry out the repressive policies of the dictators who succeeded Tubman. Between 1989 and 2003, during two consecutive civil wars, Liberians suffered numerous atrocities by soldiers, as well as by rebel fighters.
For a short period following the war, this holiday received no fanfare because the country's implosion left Liberians with no army to honor. In 2007, however, the defense ministry introduced a newly restructured contingent, which paraded through the main streets of the capital city, Monrovia, before hundreds of attendees.

CONTACTS:
Liberia Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT)
110 United Nations Dr.
P.O. Box 10-9021
Capitol Hill, 1000
Monrovia, Liberia
www.micat.gov.lr

Celebration day: Feb 11