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March 28, 2015
April 22nd Memorial Group Press Release
On April 22nd 1980, thirteen officials of the Liberian Government were killed on South
Beach in Monrovia, Liberia as a result of a military coup d’etat that toppled the government
of President William R. Tolbert Jr., who was also killed.
In 2004, the families of the thirteen deceased government officials formed a coalition; The
April 22nd Memorial Group, a coalition dedicated to keeping the memory, contribution, and
patriotism of their loved ones alive. Their contribution to country and love of country
continue to be the impetus and motivation of the group. The group comprised of family
members of the 13 slain, has always recognized and embraced all who lost their lives unjustly
during these past 35 years.
In 2005 a Memorial Service was held honoring the deceased both in Monrovia, Liberia (West
Africa) and in Gaithersburg, Maryland (USA) to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of their
departing. This year, April 22nd, marks the 35th Anniversary and The April 22nd Memorial
Group will once again recognize and pay homage to these men and the part they played in
helping to shape the history of Liberia. A Thanksgiving and Remembrance Service will be
held in both Monrovia, Liberia and in Washington, D.C. This year in addition to the 13
slain, we will also celebrate and honor the lives of 9 others who lost their lives at that time.
We are people who have come together bound by grief and an underlying love for Liberia.
The 13 Slain on April 22nd 1980 include:
 The Honorable Cyril A. Bright
 The Honorable Joseph J. F. Chesson, Sr.
 The Honorable C. Cecil Dennis, Jr.
 The Honorable Richard A. Henries, Sr.
 The Honorable Charles D. B. King
 The Honorable D. Franklin Neal, Sr.
 The Honorable P. Clarence Parker, III
 The Honorable James T. Phillips, Jr.
 The Honorable James A. A. Pierre
 The Honorable John W. F. Sherman
 The Honorable Frank J. Stewart, Sr.
 The Honorable Frank E. Tolbert, Sr.
 The Honorable E. Reginald Townsend
Additional Honorees include:
 President William R. Tolbert, Jr.
 Commander Spurgeon Capehart
 Major General Emmett Walter Cooper
 Commander Varney E. Dempster
 Captain Gabriel Moore
 General Charles E. Railey, Jr.
 The Honorable H. Carey Thomas
 The Honorable A. Benedict Tolbert
 Lieutenant “Railroad” Vesseley
The schedule of events are as follows:
35th Anniversary Thanksgiving Program
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Palm Grove Cemetery, Center Street
Monrovia, Liberia
35th Anniversary Thanksgiving Worship Celebration
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: First Presbyterian Church
Broad & Johnson Streets
Monrovia, Liberia
35th Anniversary Thanksgiving & Remembrance Celebration
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2015
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Trinity Episcopal Church
7005 Piney Branch Road, Washington, D.C. 20012
For any further information please contact:
Frank Stewart
[email protected]
Rouchell Chesson
[email protected]
Mai Bright Urey
[email protected]
Rita Townsend
[email protected]
Richard Tolbert
[email protected]
Yvette Chesson Wureh
[email protected]
Bindu Dennis Woode
[email protected]