President Sirleaf Celebrates Natal Day

Monrovia, Liberia - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has called on Liberians to utilize the enormous goodwill the country enjoys internationally by joining hands in nation-building. She says the image of Liberia has changed, and called on Liberians to continue to believe in themselves.

The President spoke today at the Foreign Ministry during an official program marking her 69th birthday. The program, titled ‘Singspiration,’ was a celebration of songs and dance organized by some prominent Liberian women and groups including veteran educator Mary Brownell, traditional leader Mama Tumey, the Mano River Peace Network, Gospel Ambassador Marion Cassell, the Putupo Women's Development Organization and the Rural Women's Organization. The President received gifts from friends and well wishers including Vice President Joseph Boakai, Ambassador Dew Mayson and some women groups. She expressed her appreciation for the outpour of love and support shown by the women, adding that ‘to be a President, one has to be with the people.’

Earlier, President Johnson Sirleaf attended a thanksgiving service held at the First United Methodist Church in her honor. During brief remarks at the service, she said she was pleased and blessed to be called upon by God to be an instrument to serve the Liberian people. She stressed that she may not please everybody in everything she does, but added that what she does is done in the interest of the Liberian people.

The thanksgiving service brought together House Speaker Alex Tyler, Chief Justice Johnnie Lewis, senior government officials and well wishers.