This especially important Liberian holiday is celebrated with a parade, a party for the diplomatic corps in Monrovia, and a grand ball in the evening. Similar events are held throughout the country. The day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1847 by the various settlements of the country, establishing the first independent black republic in Africa. After independence, elections were held, and Joseph Jenkins Roberts was elected the first president in January 1848. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary