the Ministry of Information to lead a national dialogue on recommendations contained in the report submitted by the Elwood Dunn Committee.

In its report, the committee called for a reflection on the national symbols, including the Flag, Seal, National Anthem, and explore whether or not they should be changed and how they can improve the sense of value of citizenship.

Making the disclosure Tuesday at the Ministry of Information press conference, Information Minister Lewis Brown recalled that immediately after Dunn’s oration in July 2012, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf named him to head a commission to review these national symbols and make recommendations to government.

According to Brown, the Dunn Commission worked with the Governance Commission andfollowing nation-wide consultations, it was obvious that many Liberians lack the appetite to change the Flag, National Anthem or many of the national symbols.

He added that they also suggested to the government the need to revisit many of the Orders of Distinction that are conferred on citizens and friends of Liberia.

Brown said the President had directed the Ministry of Information to lead the effort and national dialogue around these distinctions.

"The intent is not to remove existing distinctions, but to see if they can agree on either adding to or developing a set of national distinctions that will continue to drive their desire to heal some of the deep wounds and to make them current," Minister Brown added.
LINA DMW/TSS/PTK