Devastated Grave Sites in Liberia: Grave Owners Demand Action

Monrovia Liberia: Every year, on the second Wednesday of March, Liberians observe Decoration Day, a national holiday dedicated to cleaning and decorating the graves of loved ones. It’s a time to honor the departed, but this year, many families were left disheartened and angry after discovering the poor and even devastating conditions of local cemeteries.

Grave Owners Speak Out

For many, Decoration Day is a time of reflection, but instead of honoring their loved ones, grave owners were left to face the reality of damaged, desecrated, and neglected graves. Cemeteries in areas such as Johnsonville, Nimba United, Kpelleh Town, Duport Road, and Neezoe were found in appalling states, with many graves broken open and caskets exposed.

The worst of the devastation occurred at Johnsonville Cemetery, where over 400 graves had been tampered with, and some caskets were even stolen. Visitors to the cemetery, who had come to clean and decorate graves, were shocked to find that not only were steel rods and other grave markers gone, but some graves had been opened, with caskets removed.

As families reflect on their losses and attempt to honor their ancestors, many are also calling for government intervention. “We paid for these burial sites, and the disrespect shown to our loved ones is unacceptable,” said one local resident. There are also calls for better maintenance and security at cemeteries to ensure that the graves of those who have passed are properly protected.

While some cemeteries, like Vokor Mission Cemetery, have been well maintained by local authorities, the widespread neglect at other sites has raised serious concerns.