In my community the past is highly celebrated and respected, because it reminds us about our forefathers, who created our nation. One example of how the past is celebrated is Joseph Jenkins Roberts’ birthday, which is observed on March 15 as a national holiday. This holiday is widely celebrated in my community and my nation because he was our nation’s first legitimate president. He helped fight for Liberia’s freedom and independence, which was gained in the year 1847 on the 26th day of July. He did leave a legacy behind, and this is why his birthday is a big icon of the past.

Another example of the past is the late president Williams V.S. Tubman, whose birthday is widely celebrated and honored because he is the father of modern-day Liberia. It is normally celebrated on November 29th. These few examples are some ways in which my community or nation celebrates its past.

Also, another example of how my community celebrates and honors its past is the Independence Day of the Republic of Liberia, which is celebrated on July 26th. This holiday is a broad holiday and it is widely celebrated by Liberians at home and away, because it is the day MAMA Liberia gained her independence after years of slavery being practiced on the then Grain Coast, now Liberia. This day reminds members of my community of a day when we were delivered after the years of slavery and bondage.

These are some of the ways we Liberians celebrate and respect our past. It is important to us as it serves as historical points of view of our great nation and also a point of interest for us as a nation.