IPNEWS: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has called on Liberians to renew their commitment to national unity, patriotism and responsible citizenship as the country commemorates the 179th National Flag Day Anniversary.
Speaking Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, at the Executive Pavilion in Monrovia, Boakai said Liberia’s national flag represents more than the country’s identity, describing it as a symbol of the nation’s history, struggles, sovereignty and aspirations.
The president said the 179th Flag Day celebration is particularly significant following Liberia’s 179th Independence Anniversary, observed last month under the theme, “Strengthening National Identity Through Liberian-Led Historical Leadership.”
“Independence gave us the sovereignty to define ourselves as a nation; the flag gives that identity a visible, enduring symbol,” Boakai said.
He recalled the contribution of seven women, led by Susana Lewis, who stitched Liberia’s first national flag in 1847 as the country prepared to declare independence.
Boakai emphasized that nation-building requires the participation of all Liberians, regardless of county, ethnicity, religion, age, or social background.
President Warns Youth Against Drugs
The president used the occasion to make a strong appeal to Liberian students, urging them to embrace discipline, respect the law, and prepare themselves to serve the country.
He specifically warned young people against drug abuse, saying renewed efforts by drug traffickers to use Liberia as a transit and operational center pose a serious threat to the country’s youth.
“I urge you to say NO to drugs,” Boakai said, warning students not to allow drugs or other destructive influences to derail their future.
He also challenged adults to demonstrate the same patriotism and civic responsibility expected from young people.
“We cannot ask our children to love Liberia while we undermine its institutions; to respect the law while we disregard it; or to be patriotic while we place personal, ethnic, religious, or partisan interests above the national good,” he said.
Civics Education Reintroduced
President Boakai also highlighted the reintroduction of civics education in Liberia’s primary schools and the official launch of standardized civics textbooks across the country.
He said the initiative will help restore young Liberians’ understanding of the country’s history, Constitution, national symbols, rights, responsibilities, and principles of citizenship.
The president also praised students who participated in the National Flag Day activities at the Barclay Training Center, saying he observed “discipline, precision, confidence, and patriotism” among the participating contingents.
He congratulated schools recognized for Best Salute, Most Disciplined, and Best Dressed, commending students, parents, instructors, school administrators, and government institutions for their contributions.
Calls for Action, Not Complacency
Boakai cautioned Liberians against treating national celebrations merely as ceremonial events.
“Let us not confuse commemoration with complacency. Our flag calls us to action,” he said.
He called for a Liberia free from division, hatred, corruption and violence, while emphasizing the need for improved roads, expanded electricity, better health care, transformed education and increased opportunities for young people.
The president said the Lone Star belongs equally to every Liberian, from children in classrooms and farmers in rural communities to fishermen, workers and Liberians living abroad.
As he concluded his remarks, Boakai urged Liberians to recommit themselves to the values represented by the national flag.
“Let us Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and together Build Liberia, God bless the Lone Star and the Republic of Liberia.” President Boakai averred.
