More than two decades after the Liberian 14-year civil conflict ended, the painful memories of the war continue to haunt many Liberians who lost loved ones during one of the nation’s darkest chapters.
For former African and World Heavyweight Champion and current President of the Liberia Taekwondo Federation, Master Junior Pewee Russian, those memories remain deeply personal and painful.
Speaking on July 26, 2026 Independence Day and his birthday—Master Russian became emotional as he officially unveiled a gold-colored memorial monument in honor of his late mother at his residence.
According to him, whenever he reflects on the civil war, his thoughts return to the tragic loss of his mother, who was reportedly killed by rebel fighters while he was still a teenager.
Despite years of searching, Master Russian revealed that he has never been able to find his mother’s remains or even identify where she was buried.
“Secretly, I paid people to go back to the area where my mother was reportedly killed to see if they could locate her grave, but none of them could find it,” he said with emotion.
Master Russian explained that the pain of losing his mother without having the opportunity to give her a proper burial has remained with him throughout his life.
He, however, expressed profound gratitude to the women who stepped forward to raise and care for him following his mother’s death.
“I must thank my foster mothers who stood by me and helped raise me before my biological mother died. Their love and support helped shape the man I am today. But the pain of losing my mother is something I still carry in my heart.”
“I understand that before my mother died, she turned me over to a foster mother in Montserrado County Electoral District 10 because she was unable to care for me,” he narrated.
His heartfelt remarks moved many attendees to tears, including family members, relatives from his late mother’s family, and his younger brothers.
During the ceremony, Master Russian also used the occasion to call for reconciliation and unity within his extended family.
“Today, I apologize to everyone for the misunderstandings and issues that may have kept us apart. What matters now is that we are together, and from today forward, our family must remain united.”
He disclosed that the dedication of the memorial monument had been postponed several times due to various challenges, but he thanked God that the project was finally completed.
Master Russian also shared that his late mother gave birth to three sons, with him being the eldest.
The emotional unveiling ceremony formed part of his annual birthday celebration on July 26, which coincides with Liberia’s Independence Day.
Beyond celebrating another year of life, he said the occasion was intended to honor the memory of a mother whose final resting place remains unknown but whose love and legacy continue to inspire him.
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder that although Liberia’s civil war ended years ago, the emotional scars and unanswered questions remain a reality for countless families across the country.
For Master Junior Pewee Russian, the memorial now stands as a symbol of remembrance, healing, and the enduring hope that the sacrifices of those lost will never be forgotten.
The former African and World Taekwondo, Shaolin Kung Fu, and Martial Arts Heavyweight Champion, who now serves as President of the Liberia Taekwondo Federation, expressed profound gratitude to the woman who stepped in to help shape the person he is today when his mother, due to hardship, was unable to provide for him.
Meanwhile, Master Junior Pewee Russian remains one of the few Liberian athletes to have won multiple individual medals for Liberia, particularly in martial arts.
Today, he is remembered both in Liberia and internationally for his outstanding performances over the years.
As part of his commitment to giving back to society, he established a martial arts and fitness academy to train and develop the next generation of athletes.
During the dedication ceremony, students from his academy—including several who have represented Liberia in numerous international competitions—delivered impressive martial arts demonstrations, sending the crowd into wild jubilation.
The memorial dedication was not only a tribute to a mother whose final resting place remains unknown but also a celebration of survival, resilience, family, and the enduring strength of a Liberian who overcame the trauma of war to become a national and international sports figure.
