George Weah, Mary Laurene, Others Honored

The National Transitional Government of Liberia(NTGL), yesterday honored five eminent Liberians for their sacrificial and invaluable services to the people of Liberia and humanity, as Patrick K. Wrokpoh reports.

Those honored at a special investiture program held in the parlors of the Executive Mansion as part of program marking the country’s 157th Independence Day celebration are Sister Mary Laurene Browne who served as the national orator of the day. She was honored with Grand Commander/Order of the Star of Africa(OSA); Walter Gwenigale, M.D., Grand Commander/Order of the Star of Africa(OSA); UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador George Oppong Weah, Grand Commander/Order of the Star of Africa(OSA), and Mrs. Lucretia Thomas as Octogenarian- Dame Commander/Humane Order of African Redemption(HOAR).

Alhaji Mohamed Kandakai Sheriff-Octogenarian/ Knight Commander, Humane Order of African Redemption( HOAR) and Paramount Chief Madam Garmalon P. Walker, long serving traditional leader, as Dame Commander Humane Order of African Redemption.

Speaking yesterday in the parlors of the Executive Mansion where the program was held, NTGL Chairman Charles Gyude Bryant said, it is prudent and right to present the honor to the honorees for their services to the nation over the years.

Chairman Bryant called on the honorees to wear their badges with pride for the victory of Liberia.

For her part, honoree Mary Laurene Browne expressed happiness for the honor bestowed upon her, and said she is proud to be a Liberian.

Also speaking, soccer legend George Weah called on Liberians not to think about war any more but they should now dwell on peace for the betterment of their nation.

Ambassador Weah expressed fear that those who have lived their lives in service for the nation may not be given the due courtesy they deserve especially in the case when they are dead and made specific reference to the late veteran goal keeper Boye Cooper.

For his part, Dr. Walter Gwenigale expressed thanks to the Lutheran Church and others for helping to give education to several Liberians, something that he said made it possible for him to be honored. He praised the nation’s health workers and others who assisted him as well.

Paramount Chief Walker, Sheik Kandakai and Lucretia Thomas also expressed joy for their respective honors. The ceremony was graced by high dignitaries including the president of Sierra Leone who was visiting the country yesterday to