This Message is reprinted with permission from the author: Moses P. Saygbe Jr.
In celebration of our 166th independence as the first free Republic on the continent of Africa, I am provoked by a national concern that impacts all Liberians both at home and in the diaspora. For 50 years the Executive Mansion has stood as a symbol of the Presidency, the Liberian government and the Liberian people. As we observe our Country’s independence, we will likewise be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the construction and seven years since the unfortunate occurrence of a fire that damaged one of our nation’s most symbolic landmarks. When it was constructed, the Executive Mansion was the most contemporary structure on the continent and boosted pride for the people of Liberia. Upon the completion of the structure, President William V. S. Tubman visited the United States in September of 1963 to extend a special invitation to President John F. Kennedy. The invitation included the inauguration of another term of office for President Tubman and the ribbon cutting and dedication of the newly completed Executive Mansion scheduled for January of 1964. Regrettably, President Kennedy was assassinated in November of 1963, shortly after the visit of President Tubman. It was also in 1963 when President Kennedy launched his first Peace Corps volunteer program in Liberia; signifying the United States commitment to funding programs and support for Liberia.
The Executive Mansion of the Republic of Liberia, like the White House in the United States of America and presidential palaces in many African Nations, isn’t simply a home to presidents or meeting space for running the affairs of the country, it’s also known as ‘The People’s House,’ a place that should be open to everyone. It is where foreign heads of State and other guests are received, and where many official ceremonies are conducted. The Mansion serves as one of the most important architectural symbols including the Seal, Flag, and National Anthem of our republic. Like the Executive Mansion, the White House in the United States has a unique and fascinating story; it was also destroyed by fire on three occasions, causing President Harry S. Truman to seek temporary residence elsewhere in the Capital. Nevertheless, the people recognize the important significance this place held; thus it was reconstructed to national prominence, preserving the historical detail of its architecture. Hence, this situation is not unique to Liberia, similarly to US, we too as Liberians can work to rebuild our beloved Executive Mansion.
I can vividly remember as a child living in the following areas in Monrovia (Buzzy Quarter, Capital Bypass, Behind City Hall, and Bishop Brooks/Perry Street) which were all less than a mile from the Executive Mansion. Some of those personal experiences included; attending the annual Garden Party hosted by President & Mrs. William R. Tolbert, watching fireworks, seeing cars stopped and people saluting while the flag was being raised, and watching guards (soldiers and Secret Service Officers) in boots protecting the President and the people’s house. One evening after school at about 5:30 PM while walking home (from Demonstration Elementary School to City Hall), a soldier instructed me to walk across the street. I suddenly heard a voice say “NO! Come here young man”. It was the voice of President Tolbert. While walking towards this most famous person in my life at the time (with excitement and amazement) he engaged me in a conversation. He asked me, “what is your name and who is your father?” What school are you attending? I responded with childlike confidence. After our brief talk, he shoke my hand and left me with these parting and inspiring words, “school is very important so do your best.” Say hello to your father and your principal Ms. Wilson”. He also mentioned knowing that my father worked at the Temple of Justice. I was very excited about that moment and shared it with my entire neighborhood and most importantly, I refused to wash my hand.
This narrative is not intended to reflect negatively on any government (past or present) but rather to build a sense of national concern and a call for national pride during our 166th independence celebration. Knowing the tragedy of events at the mansion over the last three decades, I am convinced that the renovation/re-construction of this symbolic landmark of our sovereignty would represent a new day, new pride, and optimistically an accomplished sense of nationalism. I also believe it will take extraordinary Liberians to accomplish this noble initiative.
It is my hope that this piece has raised a sense of national consciousness regarding the monumental undertaking of rebuilding/reconstructing the Executive Mansion. My question to you my fellow Liberians reading this is, what do you see our role as Liberians to be in this process and what would you recommend as the best approach to completing this reconstruction/renovation, aside from the government contribution?
M. P. Saygbe Jr.
"Things do not happen. Things are made to happen". J. F Kennedy
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