By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia, Liberia — The Ministry of National Defense has extended pre–Armed Forces Day felicitations to His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), along with the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, unit commanders, and the gallant men and women of the AFL, ahead of the 69th Armed Forces Day (AFD) celebration.
Armed Forces Day, legislated in 1957, is commemorated annually on February 11 to honor the bravery, gallantry, and deep sense of patriotism demonstrated by Liberia’s men and women in uniform in the defense of national security and territorial integrity.
As part of the 69th AFD observance, the Ministry of National Defense has unveiled a series of activities scheduled to span several days, culminating in the official celebration on February 11, 2026.
The activities will commence on Sunday, February 1, 2026, with a 7.5-kilometer marathon walk/run from Old Road Catholic Junction to the Barclay Training Center (BTC), held in memory of Lt. Cdr. Venus Dean Nelson.
On Monday, February 2, the AFL will conduct parade rehearsals, alongside the issuance of uniforms and other preparatory activities. These rehearsals and uniform distributions will continue on Wednesday and Thursday, February 4–5, 2026.
A major highlight of the celebration will take place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with an Armed Forces Day Symposium at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town. The symposium will be held under the theme: “Building an Effective Inter-Agency Framework: Combating Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime through Coordinated National Security Efforts.”
Religious and sporting activities are scheduled for Friday, February 6, 2026. A Jummat service will be held at the El Habibou Poukou Mosque in Careysburg, Montserrado County, beginning at 11:00 a.m. This will be followed by sporting activities, including soccer, kickball, and volleyball, at the Barclay Training Center, featuring teams from UMU, AMEU, Lonestar Cell MTN, and the MOD/AFL.
On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the AFL will engage in civil-military operations, including a clean-up campaign from the Coca-Cola Factory area to Red Light and the Du Port Road Junction, starting at 6:30 a.m. A medical outreach will also be conducted at the Gboryoumue Clinic in Margibi County at 7:30 a.m.
The observance will continue on Sunday, February 8, 2026, with a Thanksgiving service at the Abundant Life Church in Harbel City, Margibi County, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The celebration will climax on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (D-Day), featuring the hoisting of the national flag, the Armed Forces Day parade, both at the Barclay Training Center, and an Officers’ Ball and Dinner at the Executive Pavilion.
The Ministry of National Defense says the activities are intended not only to commemorate Armed Forces Day, but also to strengthen civil-military relations and reaffirm the AFL’s commitment to national service and patriotism.
