Decoration Day
Decoration Day is a holiday observed on the second Wednesday in March and is a national holiday throughout Liberia. This day commemorates and memorializes the country’s past heroes and those who have given their lives in service to their country.
Liberia (Public holiday)Every year, the president of Liberia issues a proclamation that encourages a new generation of people to engage in greater acts of service and patriotism to their community. Celebrations have become so important for this holiday that the country adapted Ebola protocols to ensure that they could continue through the Ebola Virus Epidemic.
The History of Decoration Day in Liberia
Liberia is a country that was settled by free and formerly enslaved African-Americans in 1822. This holiday was created by an Act that was approved on October 24, 1916, during WWI. It was set on the second Wednesday of March and was celebrated for the first time in 1917.
Amazing Facts About Liberia
Below are some of the amazing facts that we uncovered during our research for Decoration Day. Let’s check them out before we continue with talking about how this holiday is usually celebrated in Liberia.
- English is the official language of this country.
- Monrovia is the capital city of the Republic of Liberia.
- The name Liberia comes from the Latin word “Liber,” which means “free.”
- The Liberian flag is modeled after the flag of the United States.
Observing Decoration Day in Liberia
On this holiday, the graves of the fallen are carefully tended to and adorned with wreaths. Since it’s a public holiday, most people have the day off to fulfill their obligations to the dead.
It’s also a day for people to come together and spend time with friends and family members, a proposition that is easy to do thanks to most government buildings, schools, and businesses being closed on this day.
Liberia (Public holiday)
