As we mark 64 years of independence, the call is not just to celebrate or reflect—but to recommit. To live out the words we pledge, to lead where we stand, and to build a Sierra Leone worthy of its promise—together. Beyond the melody, beyond the harmony—our anthem is a civic contract. A song we sing. A promise we forget. A reflection we must reclaim.
At 64, Sierra Leone stands at a moral and civic crossroad. Yes, we have flags, holidays, and speeches. But true independence is not measured by ceremonies—it’s revealed in the character of our citizens and the choices we make every day.
If we are honest, this isn’t just a year to simply clap. It’s a year to reflect. Reflect on our politics, but also on our principles. Not on only what government should do, but on what we should also do—as citizens of this great nation.
The National Pledge: Not Just Words
Too many of us memorized the pledge for school assembly lines and forgot its meaning. But read it again—not as a chant, but as a charge.
“I pledge my love and loyalty to my country…”
This is not romantic. It is sacrificial. Loyalty is not about defending Sierra Leone or one’s political party blindly—it’s about not giving up on her, even when things are broken or uncertain.
“I vow to serve her faithfully at all times…”
Not just when we are praised or when one’s political party is in power and controls the levers of government. Not when a camera is rolling. But on slow days. Hard days. Ordinary days.
“I promise to defend her honour and good name…”
That means fighting corruption with character, not with hashtags. That means respecting the rule of law and rejecting violence. That means refusing to stain her name through dishonesty or silence, incivility, or negative entitlement.
“To work for her unity, peace, freedom, and prosperity…”
Let’s be honest—too many of us fuel division, particularly on social media. Tribalism. Suspicion. Fake news. But this line calls us to something higher: shared peace, not just personal gain.
“And to put her interest above all else…”
Above ego. Above party. Above tribe. Above fraternity. Above self-interests. Sierra Leone first. Always. Not only in Rhetoric but in practice.
“So, help me God.”
It ends with God—but it begins with you. With me. With all of us.
The National Anthem: A Mirror, not a Melody
The anthem? That beautiful tune we sing with pride. It’s not just music—it’s a message. A civic compass.
“High we exalt thee, realm of the free…”
But are we, truly free when we are eroding the values and virtues free? Free to speak, think, and act without fear?
“Firmly united ever we stand…”
Truthfully, we often stand divided—by suspicion, politics, class. We sit next to each other, but not with each other.
“Blessing and peace be ever thine own…”
Peace is not just absence of war. It’s justice. Fairness. Opportunity for all.
“One with a zeal that never tires…”
Yet today, so many are tired. Disillusioned. Numb. Our zeal has turned into survival mode. “Na so we meet am” cannot be our anthem.
“Ours is the labour, thine the fame…”
We work hard. But too often, the fame goes elsewhere. Our systems reward power, not service.
“All that we have be ever thine own…”
Imagine if we actually lived like this. Gave our honesty. Our strength. Our minds. Not just for ourselves, but for this land.
The Way Forward: From Song to Substance. From Vow to Action.
This independence is not just about where we’ve come from—but where we’re going. And if we’re going to rebuild Sierra Leone, it won’t start with a speech. It will start with a citizen. With you. With me.
So, here’s the challenge for every Sierra Leonean ,particularly our youth at 64:
• Don’t just sing the anthem. Live it.
• Don’t just recite the pledge. Be it.
• Don’t just wait for public leaders. Lead where you are.
Because patriotism is not a performance. It’s a practice. And nation-building is not a job for politicians alone—it’s the work of every citizen.
So, help us God. Until then, we press on: For God. For Country. For Service.
Which line in the pledge or anthem speaks to you most—and how will you live it this year? Engage. Email me at: Kamanda_g@yahoo.com with your response or simply message me on Facebook- same name as above.
#SierraLeone64 #LiveThePledge #LiveTheAnthem#OneCountryOnePeople #OneSustainbleDevelopment#CivicActionNow #SoHelpUsGod
Bio: George Shadrack Kamanda is a Carnegie Ethics Fellow at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs and serves as a Diplomatic and Legal Expert at the Sierra Leone Mission to the United Nations in New York. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Everyday Citizen and The Necessity Firm, organizations dedicated to fostering ethical and responsible citizenship in Sierra Leone. Additionally, he is the author of Citizenship Reimagined: The Case for Responsible Whole Citizenry in Sierra Leone.
