The President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf, has by Proclamation declared Monday, February 11, 2013 as Armed Forces Day to be observed throughout the country as a National Holiday.

The Proclamation further directs and orders all military organizations within the Republic to organize and execute appropriate programs including parades and other ceremonies in recognition of the Day. According to the Proclamation, special attention and honor will be given to the veterans of the AFL and the Coast Guard who have seen active and experienced actual service therein.

The Proclamation also orders all government offices, public and business houses to be closed during the observance of the Day. The Proclamation says the Liberian Government recognizes the talents and services, patriotism and loyalty as well as the gallantry for the upkeep of the country's noble heritage by those men and women who are now memorialized through the establishment of the Department of Veterans Affairs, as ordered by the Act of National Legislature of Liberia on 22nd of July 2008.

A Foreign Ministry release indicates that with the passage of the Defense Act of 2008, the AFL remains steadfast in supporting the foundation for Long Term Security and Economic Development in Liberia as well as fostering regional peace to consolidate our emerging democracy.

The release further quotes the Proclamation as saying with the professional development of the men and women in arms; the new AFL has been reinvigorated to discharge its constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the Liberian borders including its marine resources.

The President's Proclamation is in consonance with an Act of National Legislature of Liberia which declared the 11thday of February of each year as " Armed Forces Day" to be celebrated as a National Holiday throughout the Nation in recognition of the vital role of the AFL in defending and protecting the country's territorial integrity.

The release discloses that the observance is intended to inculcate the sense of loyalty and patriotism in the citizens of Liberia, and in recognition of the immense and sacrificial services rendered by the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces for the protection of free and democratic state of Liberia.