“Liberia Day” Celebration 1978 ARTICLE : Join U.N. 2 Nov 1945

Filed under africa | UN Anniversaries

On 3 November 1978 Sri Chinmoy: The Peace Meditation at the United Nations sponsored a programme in honour of Liberia on the anniversary of its joining the United Nations on 2 November 1945. The “Liberia Day” celebration featured guest speaker Ambassador David M. Thomas of Liberia and a short film about a human settlement project in Liberia.

Shraddha

Reference Note, See Also: “Liberia Day” Celebration SUMMARY, which appeared in the 1978 Report to the Secretary General

Sri Chinmoy. leader of the Peace Meditation Group at the United Nations opened the programme.

A transcript of Ambassador Thomas’ talk follows.

Ambassador David M. Thomas, Permanent Representative of Liberia to the United Nations:

First of all , I wish to thank you sincerely for the fine tribute you have paid my country today. I enjoyed the singing immensely. In San Francisco thirty-three years ago Liberia , as a founding member of the Uni ted Nat ions, along with a ll the other signatory members, seriously committed herself to the accomplishment of the aims and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations , Therefore , Liberia, and the other Member States as well, I am sure , believes that the United Nations, with its imperfections, is the best organisation conceived by world leaders after World War II to ensure peace and security for the peoples of the world a nd to afford them the privilege of living together as good neighbours. Since the establishment of the United Nations, Liberia, not unlike the other Member States, has appreciated the importance of the United Nations as the best forum before which to express the virtues and opinions of States on international problems. The economic and technical assistance rendered during the years is also creditable.

In the midst of the many complex problems with which the United Nations is confronted, it is good that there is an opportunity for meditation. It is my firm conviction that since man as a human being is also spiritual, it is necessary for him to keep in touch with the Supreme Being, the Source of life and all the blessings that may be bestowed upon it. It is necessary also to seek guidance and help from this Source of spiritual power.

As a Christian I firmly believe in the Golden Rule which was enunciated by Jesus. Regardless of whatever religion one may espouse, it is my belief that unless the United Nations as well as all other organisations adopts the principle of the Golden Rule, “Do unto others what you would have them do unto you,” I am afraid that it will fall short of the goal it has set for itself: to maintain peace and security.

Although the United Nations has not found a remedy and solution to all the international crises and problems that have arisen from time to time, it has done well in containing them. We still believe that at present it offers the best hope of the peoples of the world to discuss and peacefully resolve their differences. To this Liberia is firmly committed.

Thank you.

(Excerpt from report which appeared in Nov 1978 Bulletin “Meditation at the United Nations”)