By: Julius Konton
Liberia officially commenced celebrations marking its 179th Independence Day with a solemn National Thanksgiving Service in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, where Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., delivered a powerful message urging Liberians to embrace gratitude, national unity, justice, reconciliation, and unwavering faith in God.
The service, held at the historic First United Methodist Church in Buchanan, brought together the country’s highest political leadership, religious institutions, traditional authorities, diplomats, security chiefs, and hundreds of worshippers in a symbolic display of national solidarity ahead of the July 26 Independence Day celebrations.
Among those in attendance were President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr., senior officials of the Executive Branch, lawmakers, members of the Judiciary, the Diplomatic Corps, leaders of the Joint Security, traditional chiefs, and representatives of diverse Christian denominations and faith communities.
The annual Thanksgiving Service serves as the official spiritual opening of Liberia’s Independence Day observance, reaffirming the nation’s longstanding tradition of dedicating national milestones to prayer and thanksgiving.
Reflecting on 179 Years of Nationhood
Founded by formerly enslaved African Americans and free Black settlers, Liberia declared its independence on July 26, 1847, making it Africa’s oldest independent republic.
Today, the nation of approximately 5.7 million people continues its pursuit of sustainable development, democratic consolidation, and post-conflict transformation after enduring two devastating civil wars between 1989 and 2003, which claimed an estimated 250,000 lives and displaced nearly half of the population.
Recent international assessments indicate encouraging signs of economic recovery.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects Liberia’s economy to expand by approximately 5.5 percent in 2026, driven by improvements in mining, agriculture, infrastructure development, and public sector reforms.
Despite this progress, the country continues to face significant challenges, including youth unemployment, poverty, infrastructure deficits, and the need for stronger institutions.
Against this backdrop, Bishop Quire called on Liberians to reflect not only on their political independence but also on the nation’s spiritual and moral responsibilities.
“Gratitude Must Define Our National Identity”
Delivering his welcome address, Bishop Quire emphasized that the gathering represented far more than a ceremonial observance.
“Today, we gather not only to commemorate another milestone in our nation’s history, but more importantly, to lift our voices in gratitude to Almighty God for His unfailing love, abundant mercy, and sustaining grace,” the Bishop declared.
He said Liberia’s 179-year journey has been characterized by seasons of triumph and adversity, yet God’s sustaining hand has remained evident throughout the nation’s history.
Reflecting on Liberia’s resilience, Bishop Quire noted that despite wars, political transitions, economic hardships, health crises including the devastating Ebola epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic and numerous national challenges, the country continues to stand because of divine grace.
“Our history reminds us that God has remained faithful through times of peace and conflict, hope and uncertainty,” he said.
The Methodist Bishop challenged Liberians to recognize that genuine national strength cannot be measured solely by political sovereignty, economic growth, or infrastructure development.
Instead, he argued, enduring national prosperity is built upon reverence for God, justice, peace, compassion, integrity, and love for one another.
He urged citizens to reject division, political polarization, tribalism, and hatred, encouraging every Liberian to become an active participant in fostering reconciliation and nation-building.
“The true strength of a nation is measured not merely by political independence or economic achievements, but by its commitment to justice, peace, righteousness, and genuine love among its people,” Bishop Quire emphasized.
Using the Independence anniversary as a moment for collective reflection, Bishop Quire encouraged Liberians to renew their commitment to building a nation founded upon unity, accountability, and shared responsibility.
He praised the presence of President Boakai, Vice President Koung, members of the three branches of government, diplomats, traditional leaders, and religious leaders, describing their participation as a demonstration of Liberia’s collective desire to seek God’s guidance for the country’s future.
He stressed that sustainable national transformation requires collaboration across political, religious, and community lines.
Concluding his address, Bishop Quire offered heartfelt prayers for the Republic, asking God to bless Liberia with enduring peace, strengthen national institutions, grant wisdom to political leaders, heal divisions among citizens, and inspire hope for generations yet unborn.
He prayed for God’s continued protection over the country and called upon Liberians everywhere to become ambassadors of peace, reconciliation, and national development.
The National Thanksgiving Service officially launched Liberia’s 179th Independence Day commemorative activities, reaffirming the nation’s enduring tradition of beginning its Independence celebrations with worship, thanksgiving, and prayer.
For many participants, the service represented more than a ceremonial event , it served as a reminder that Liberia’s future depends not only on sound governance and economic progress but also on national unity, moral leadership, and a renewed commitment to the values of faith, justice, and service that have shaped the Republic since its founding nearly two centuries ago.
