“It is with immense pride, honor and humility that I stand before you today as the National Orator of our Nation’s 175th Independence Day Anniversary. To God be the Glory. When glass ceilings are shattered, playing fields are leveled and you have a leader who believes in the empowerment of women, moments like these manifest the critical role women play in the fabric of this great nation. To President Weah, I say thank you. Thank you for continuously ensuring that women have a seat at the table and a voice in the transformation of our nation. Today as I stand in the shoes of great people who came before me, I am also reminded that I am standing in place of all the women and girls across Liberia who aspire to achieve greatness in the interest of mama Liberia. “Women oh Women Women oh Women Our time is now”. As we celebrate 175 years under the theme “Fostering Unity, Protecting our Peace for Development and Prosperity” I am ever cognizant that a unified and peaceful Liberia comes first and foremost...
That is why regardless of political perspectives or social conditions, Liberians home and abroad always celebrate this day with pride and in unison. l ambition. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen: My selection to serve as your National Orator today was not a mistake. I am a clear demonstration of what happens when preparation meets opportunity. I proudly stand here today as a 39-year-old, highly educated single mother who challenged herself to leave her homeland, prepared both educationally and professionally to return home and contribute to her nation. I represent every individual who has ever had to make hard choices and sacrifices for family, love of country and humanity. I represent every woman and girl who the world doubted her ability to lead. I represent a generation determined to change the landscape of this country and most importantly I represent the product of every mother who has sacrificed to give her child a better opportunity. When I think about the future of Liberia, I think about what lies in store for children like my 5-year-old daughter Mariella and little Nya of Ganta city. There can be no wavering when it comes to Fostering Unity, Protecting Our Peace for Development and Prosperity. So for every one Liberian who chooses not to step up and make an impact in this country, there are many willing to step up to the challenge and make a difference.
My Fellow Liberians: As Abraham Lincoln once said, “A house divided against itself can never stand”. Therefore, let us celebrate our nation’s 175th Independence Anniversary and our Bicentennial year remembering that a collective effort must be put forth in order to move Liberia forward. On this day, as the National Orator of Liberia’s 175th Independence Anniversary, my proclamation to the world is that the Liberian story will no longer be one of political strife, under-development, disease or poverty. Instead, it will be one of unity, development, economic stability and prosperity.” Happy Independence Day! I thank you.
- Hon. Mawine G. Diggs
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