Filed in by Olando Testimony Zeongar
Paynesville – President George Manneh Weah, has cautioned Liberians to reflect on those things that will unite them, rather than dwell on those ones that have the propensity to divide them.
In a brief statement delivered Friday, during a ceremony marking the observance of National Flag Day, at a football stadium, the same arena where his soccer artistry was nurtured before going onto the world stage to win World Best, Europe Best and Africa Best footballer titles all in 1995, Weah, the former footballer turned politician told Liberians: “Today, as we celebrate the 68th observance of National Flag Day, let us take the time to reflect on those things that unite us, rather than dwell on those things that will divide us.”
He urged Liberians to work collectively aimed at harnessing their efforts in the search for peace and prosperity for the country that is currently experiencing heightened economic turbulence and political bickering over the governance process under his seven-month rule.
Weah indicated that he wants every Liberian to combine their efforts in the search for peace and prosperity for Liberia, so that at the end of what he referred to as a journey, the country will be a better place for all of its citizens, than what it was during the formative years of its existence.
“May peace reign over our land, as it is stated in our National Anthem; “Long live Liberia, happy land. A home of glorious liberty by God’s command,” he said.
The Liberian leader used the occasion to applaud the national orator of the 68th observance of Flag Day, saying, “Mr. Keynote Speaker, you were eloquent and you were instructive, and I believe, that has given us much food for thought.”
He told Liberian’s that this year’s observance of National Flag Day was in obedience and compliance with the Law of Liberia, recalling that 68 years after the national ensign was designed by a committee of seven women, led by Susannah Lewis, and was first raised on August 24, 1847, later, in 1915, the National Legislature passed an Act, for which August 24th of each year was to be observed as National Flag Day.
“This is a day set aside to be observed as a national holiday, for us to celebrate our flag, and we do so today in obedience and compliance with the law of the Republic of Liberia,” the Liberian leader noted.
He continued: “Our flag is an important national symbol. It represents us to the world as a people from a unique and sovereign geographical space; united as one national community with a common culture commonly accepted rules of law and governance and a collective destiny.”
He asserted that whenever the country’s flag is displayed and Liberians pledge alliance to it or celebrate it, they do so in demonstration of their loyalty and respect for their common patrimony, adding, “Our flag is our national identity – as such, it is a symbolic manifestation of our existence as a pride people and a sovereign nation.”
“Let me wish you all a happy Flag Day, and may God bless you and bless Liberia, our native land…” President Weah concluded.
