Liberian Leader Sends Thanksgiving Message to Liberians Everywhere

News

Executive Mansion, Monrovia
Following is the text of a message issued by Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on the occasion of Liberia’s National Thanksgiving Day, November 5, 2009:

On this, Liberia’s National Thanksgiving Day, which we commemorate on the first Thursday of November each year, it is important for us to thank God for having brought our nation to where it is today – a country that has experienced six years of peace!

We have so much to thank God for: We thank Him for life; so many loved ones have been called to the great beyond. We thank Him for health; so many loved ones lay sick in hospitals. We thank Him for peace, and the courage He’s given us to rebuild our nation. We thank God for a people who, despite the difficulties, have proven themselves to be so resilient.

When I walk around and see the young children – in the villages and towns and cities – and I ask them, “Are you in school?”, and they answer “Yes”, imagine my pride. These are the six-year-olds who have never known war; who can sleep in peace at night; who live in a country where hope has replaced despair; and who only ask for the opportunity to pursue their endeavors. For these blessings, we give thanks.

Let us give thanks to our Creator, who has sustained us as a people. Let us thank God for our fellow Liberians who have returned home and rejoined their families, and who are making their contributions in rebuilding our country.

Let us give special thanks to God, as well, for the support Liberia has received from friends and partners all over the world, which has helped restore the image and credibility of our beloved country.

On this day where we give thanks to God for His many blessings and mercies, let us remember, my fellow Liberians, that there are more things that unite than divide us. And so, I call on Liberians everywhere to give God praise today, and to rely upon him as we move forward in a spirit of reconciliation, unity and peace. Happy Thanksgiving!

Editor @ November 6, 2009