Fellow Liberians, citizens at home and those who carry our Lone Star in their hearts across the globe, today, on this National Flag Day, we lift our spirits and renew our allegiance under the soaring red, white, and blue of the Lone Star — the emblem of our freedom, our journey, and our shared destiny. Though celebrated a day later than usual, this sacred occasion marks our unbroken connection to our past and our unified commitment to the future.
Our national flag was first designed and hand-stitched by a committee of seven women, led by Susannah Elizabeth Lewis, assigned by Governor Joseph Jenkins Roberts in July 1847.
On August 24, 1847, just weeks after declaring our independence, this flag was unfurled in Monrovia for the first time, accompanied by patriotic speeches from colony leaders. The eleven stripes represent the eleven signers of our Declaration of Independence . The red symbolizes the courage of our people; white reflects their moral excellence; the blue field honors the African continent to which we belong; while the single white star proclaims our status as the first independent republic in Africa
As Dr. Evelyn Kandakai, former Education Minister, once urged in her Flag Day address, we must “respect the National Flag as a patriotic national symbol that represents all Liberians”—for in its silhouette are found our history, our unity, and our national aspirations.
Voices From Our Past: Quotes That Inspire
- Hilary Teague, who wrote our Declaration of Independence and later became Secretary of State, invoked the timeless call of natural rights: “We recognize in all men certain inalienable rights; among these are life, liberty, and the right to acquire, possess, enjoy, and defend property.” These words echo in our daily life under the flag.
- Dr. Evelyn Kandakai also reflected: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Without referring directly to Vision 2030, she challenged Liberians to honor the flag by sustaining peace and pursuing a shared national vision.
This flag unites us as Liberians today; every time we raise the Lone Star, remember that:
- We honor those who signed for our independence and those brave souls who stitched the emblem embodying their hope and determination.
- We reassert our sovereignty, continuity, and connection—through war, hardship, and renewal—to the dream first articulated in 1847 and maintained through generations.
- We recommit to values—unity, courage, moral integrity, and visionary leadership—that transcend our differences and geographic distance.
As Liberians, what are the values we uphold, the actions we embody
- Unity: Our flag flies over diverse backgrounds with one purpose. As former President Weah noted, it unites us across regions, religions, and political distinctions. Let us continue to foster a Liberia where every voice counts.
- Courage & Moral Excellence: The red and white stripes remind us to act with bravery and integrity. Recall the courage of Dr. Kandakai’s generation and others who held fast during times of conflict and upheaval.
- Vision & Development: Inspired by Dr. Kandakai’s appeal, let us craft and fulfill a clear vision for our nation’s future—through development, education, innovation, and reconciliation.
- Sovereignty & Renewal: Hilary Teague’s words on inalienable rights direct us toward a society rooted in justice and opportunity.
Today’s raising of the Lone Star is not mere tradition—it is a declaration of intent. It is our moment to:
- Instill a renewed sense of patriotism in our youth, so they cherish the flag not as cloth but as a covenant.
- Promote education and civic engagement rooted in the principles our Declaration first espoused.
- Encourage inclusive governance and reconciliation, remembering the unity under our flag is our greatest power.
- Cultivate a shared national vision, forging a future where every Liberian, regardless of background, is empowered to contribute.
In closing, I say, on this 2025 Flag Day, we raise the Lone Star not only to honor those who came before us, but to affirm the values we still uphold—and must fortify—to shape the Liberia of tomorrow. May the values stitched into our flag guide our action, unite our hearts, and inspire a Liberia that stands strong, dignified, and forward-looking.
Happy Flag Day, Liberia!
Long live the Lone Star, long live the Republic.