“Many of you served during very difficult times; during the years you maybe couldn’t take pay, there was no means of transportation to get to and from work, but you still carried out your duties diligently,” the Liberian leader said, adding that though in some cases it was suffering for some of them, they stayed on.

According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf made the remarks at a program for 26 personnel of the MOS who were honorably retired after serving the Presidency of the Republic of Liberia for between 33 and nine years while some had attained the retirement age of 60 years. The program took place at the C. Cecil Dennis Auditorium at the Foreign Ministry on June 11, 2014.

The Liberian leader indicated that after all the years of sacrifice they will be making way for their children and other younger ones now that they have done their part. She reminded them that at some point in life, after all the sacrifices they have made to educate their children, they will have to give way so that the children can take over the leadership of the country, she included shortly. “I commend you for saying now that we have served our country, we can now make way.”

President Sirleaf noted that going into retirement does not mean that one is inactive as there are many other things that they can do to live a productive retired life, including doing into small business, farming, or training the younger ones, among others.

She promised that in whatever way she can assist in the years ahead, she will reach out to them. “Thanking you today is a continuous process for us. We want you to know that we care for you, commend you, and honor you for your dedication and service to country,” the Liberian leader said.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Mr. Humphrey Reed, who had worked with the Ministry for 29 years, said they were happy to have graduated today; terming it the “MOS 2014 graduation”.  On behalf of the retirees, he extended to the Minister of State, Dr. Edward McClain, and the President Sirleaf sincere thanks and appreciation for the having the  opportunity to serve the country in their various capacities.

The Foreign Affairs Advisor to the President Sirleaf, Ambassador George Wallace, Jr. presented the certificates to the honorees; while the Minister of State Without Portfolio, Mr. Conmany Wesseh presented each of them with a service award and an envelope of gratuity. President Sirleaf made a personal contribution of US$5,000 to the retirees.