[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1652-E1653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF JULY 26 DAY--LIBERIAN INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2003

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to mark the 156th anniversary 
of Liberian independence. On July 26, 1847 a young African American man 
from Virginia named Joseph Jenkins Roberts declared the colony of 
Liberia in West Africa an independent republic. The anniversary of this 
great day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the history and 
progress of this nation. The recent civil strife and the impending 
humanitarian disaster add a sense of urgency to our thoughts.
  In 1820, the American Colonization Society founded the Republic of 
Liberia, with a grant from President James Monroe as a place to send 
free Black Americans. Over the years, freed slaves and their offspring 
continued to settle in this small West-African state. In 1847, the 
people of Liberia declared their independence. They gave their country 
a flag and a

[[Page E1653]]

constitution modeled on that of the United States.
  However, independence did not spell the end of Liberia's close 
historical links with the United States. American companies, such as 
the Firestone Rubber and Tire Company, have played an important role in 
shaping the Liberian economy. Liberia has been an important political 
ally of the United States. During the two World Wars, the republic 
allowed the United States to station troops on its soil. As the Cold 
War reached its peak, a mutual defense pact was signed and the United 
States built communications facilities to relay a ``Voice of America'' 
signal throughout the continent.
  Unfortunately, the progress that Liberia made over the years has been 
spoiled by over a decade of civil war. The war has claimed the lives of 
300,000 people, and has recently intensified, causing a humanitarian 
disaster on a large scale. A half of the population has been forced to 
flee their homes. Disease, death and destruction have become everyday 
elements of Liberian life.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues in the House will agree that 
immediate action is imperative in Liberia. Every day that we delay 
intervention, more lives are lost. The people of Liberia call out for 
our help. We have a moral obligation to act. Plans for a multinational 
peacekeeping force led by the United States in conjuncture with troops 
from the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African 
States have been suggested. I am pleased to note that the President 
announced this morning that the United States will be positioning our 
military forces off the coast of Liberia to begin the process of 
assisting in this situation. My only hope is that this offer of 
assistance will soon be translated into practical concrete aid.
  Let us give the people of Liberia something to celebrate this 
Independence Day. Let us help this great people recover the liberty 
from which their country takes its name. Let Liberia live!

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