JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
By Stephen G. Fellajuah
BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County, July 28, 2026 — Liberia’s 179th Independence Day National Orator, Dr. Herbert C. Brewer, has urged Liberians to preserve and celebrate the country’s history, describing it as the foundation of national identity and unity.
Delivering the National Oration during the official Independence Day celebration in Buchanan, Brewer said nations become stronger by confronting and understanding their history rather than forgetting it.
The celebration was held under the theme, “Strengthening National Identity Through Liberian-Led Historical Leadership.”
“No nation becomes stronger by forgetting its history, neither does it become wiser by denying its history,” Brewer said. “Wisdom begins when people have the courage to celebrate it.”
He called on Liberians to preserve, honor and defend the country’s historical inheritance for future generations.
According to Brewer, Liberia’s history is a valuable national legacy that must be protected, strengthened, enriched and passed on to succeeding generations.
Also speaking, President Joseph N. Boakai acknowledged Liberia’s difficult historical journey, noting that the country has endured political uncertainty, economic hardship, social division and violent conflict.
Despite those challenges, Boakai said Liberians have repeatedly chosen peace, reconciliation and democracy over division and instability.
“Time and again, Liberians have chosen hope over despair, reconciliation over revenge and democracy over instability,” the President said.
Boakai said the celebration’s theme reflected the government’s commitment to promoting a Liberian-led understanding of the country’s history to strengthen national identity, advance reconciliation and encourage collective responsibility.
He maintained that Liberia’s future would be determined not by the burdens of its past, but by the resolve of its people to build a united, peaceful and prosperous country.
The President said that although strong state institutions remain important, nation-building requires more than formal government structures. He called for the cultivation of shared values, mutual respect, patriotism and a common sense of national purpose.
“The strongest nations are united by shared values, common purpose, mutual respect and a deep sense of identity,” Boakai said.
He added that nation-building is the responsibility of every Liberian and should be reflected in respect for the rule of law, commitment to public service and pride in the country’s history and national symbols.
Boakai also warned that nations neglecting their history risk losing their identity.
He said Liberia’s documentary heritage had suffered significant losses because of conflict, poor preservation and neglect, while many important records remained in foreign institutions and private collections.
The President called for greater investment in preserving archives, historical sites, artifacts and records. He said Liberia’s history must be researched and documented with professionalism, integrity and intellectual independence.
Boakai also urged universities, archives, museums and research institutions to serve as guardians of the country’s collective memory, particularly amid the spread of misinformation and the growing need for credible scholarship.
