National Orator Yearns For Stronger Liberia

In a solemn appeal Thursday, the national Independence Day orator, Dr. D. Elwood Dunn urged all Liberians and residents alike to “solemnly resolve” to unite to build a stronger Liberia.

Dr. Dunn ended his encompassing patriotic oration: “And so, Madam President, my fellow Liberians and friends. Let us then, solemnly resolve, once and for all, in this place and at this time, to reunite our country, to renew our country’s promise to build a stronger Liberia.”

He said such task requires “Not alone of wisdom, but fundamentally of value; to build a country inclusive of all of our experiences, since we began this aspect of our national journey 165 years ago.”

The Liberian historian and politician who served national Independence Day orator for the second time since 1979, told his compatriots: “Let us build against the backdrop of our crippled heritage. Let us do all of these things and more, linking today’s Liberia to yesterday, and let us muster the courage to change Liberia or build a modern African nation that participates fully in the African renaissance and remain opened to wholesome and contemporary global and cultural experience.”

Dr. Dunn added: “Let us reinforce the national foundation from our common heritage so that in 35 years’ time, when Liberia moves into its third century of nationhood.”

He expressed the hope that Liberia “will have made genuine progress toward fulfilling the national promise to establish justice, ensure domestic progress and promote general welfare of its people.”