Liberia’s flag, symbols and public holidays
Learn the history and meaning of the Lone Star, Liberia’s national emblems, patriotic observances and annual public holidays.
The Lone Star
Liberia’s flag has eleven alternating stripes—six red and five white—with a single white star in a blue canton. Government proclamations explain that the stripes represent the eleven signers of the Declaration of Independence and the lone star recalls Liberia’s position as an independent African republic when the flag was adopted.
A committee of women led by Susannah Lewis designed and produced the flag. It was presented on 24 August 1847, one month after the Declaration of Independence.
24 August
The Legislature approved an act on 25 October 1915 establishing 24 August as National Flag Day. Citizens and institutions are encouraged to display the flag and reflect on sovereignty, unity and national service.
Emblems of the Republic
The national seal and coat of arms portray a ship approaching the coast, a plough, palm tree, rising sun and dove with a scroll. The imagery links settlement, agriculture, peace and national beginnings.
“The Love of Liberty Brought Us Here.” The motto appears on the national seal and reflects the republic’s founding narrative. Modern public discussion also considers how national symbols can represent the experience and diversity of all Liberians.
“All Hail, Liberia, Hail!” The words are credited to Daniel Bashiel Warner and the music to Olmstead Luca. It is performed at state, school, diplomatic and national ceremonies.
Red, white and blue form Liberia’s best-known national color system and appear across state, civic and ceremonial design.
Public holidays and national observances
Planning note: The dates below describe recurring observances. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the government may observe it on the following Monday. Religious dates and special holidays may be proclaimed separately, so residents and employers should check the current annual proclamation.
New Year’s Day
Beginning of the calendar year.
Armed Forces Day
Recognizes the Armed Forces of Liberia and national defense service.
Decoration Day
A day to honor and decorate the graves of the dead; established by a 1916 legislative act.
J. J. Roberts’ Birthday
Honors Liberia’s first president, Joseph Jenkins Roberts.
National Fast and Prayer Day
A national day of prayer, fasting and reflection established in 1883.
National Unification Day
Promotes national integration, reconciliation and unity among Liberia’s peoples.
Independence Day
Marks Liberia’s Declaration of Independence on 26 July 1847.
National Flag Day
Commemorates the presentation of the Lone Star flag in 1847.
National Thanksgiving Day
A day of national gratitude, worship and reflection.
William V. S. Tubman’s Birthday
Memorial observance for Liberia’s eighteenth president.
Christmas Day
National observance of Christmas.
Symbols can carry both history and debate
Liberia’s symbols emerged from the country’s nineteenth-century founding, while the republic’s national identity includes Indigenous communities, settlers, later migrants and citizens across every county. Government-led national-symbol reviews have encouraged discussion about whether public emblems fully express Liberia’s cultural, ethnic, religious and generational diversity.
That discussion is part of civic history. Liberia Civic presents the established symbols alongside their legal origins, changing interpretations and continuing public debate.
Official references
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: National Flag Day proclamation and flag history
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Independence Day and Patriotic Observances Law
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Decoration Day legal history
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Joseph Jenkins Roberts holiday
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: National Fast and Prayer Day
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: National Symbols Review Project
Last reviewed: 8 September 2026