According to an Executive Mansion release, the Liberian leader was speaking during the National Flag Day commemoration at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia.
She noted that the flag signifies “a symbol that calls us to unity, in which we find strength, a bridge to peace where we stand ready to build a strong a prosperous society and in tolerance where we disabuse our minds of division and pettiness.”
The Chief Executive acknowledged that indeed Liberians have come together to reflect on two qualities – patriotism and self-discipline – and to consider their role in national transformation.
She reminded Liberians to be patriotic and to love their country, but added that “Patriotism also requires a measure of honesty. A patriot’s love of country will be motivation and the best it can be; a patriot, therefore, must honestly evaluate the state of his or her nation.”
President Sirleaf challenged her compatriots to appreciate successes as well as the many challenges Liberians face as a nation.
She said amid the many problems, “We still see Liberian students and teachers doing great things. The results of the national examinations, recently received, demonstrated that far too many students are completing Grade 9 or Grade 12 without mastering the required skills.
“Yet, 35 schools achieved a 100% pass rate for their Grade 12 entrants; however, these students and teachers exemplify the self-discipline that is necessary for national transformation and deserve our congratulations,” President Sireaf said.
She observed that the Liberian nation will be transformed not through sweeping gestures at high levels but “as we persevere to strengthen our schools, to improve our skills, to bring up our children to be the best that they can be.
In his oration, Rev. Emmanuel Bowier told the gathering that to be loyal, one must be loyal to the family, the community, district and county, before becoming loyal to the country.
Meanwhile, the winners of this year’s Cadet Drill Corps competition were J.J. Robert High School, Gray D. Alison, and Patemelia Academy School System respectively – all of whom received trophies.
St. Teresa’s Convent was rated the best dressed school while Cathedral High School was the most disciplined.
LINA PR/PTK