WASHINGTON — The family of the late Rev. Dr. J. Edwin Lloyd Sr., the army officer who became Liberia’s first veterans affairs chief and built the support network that fed and sheltered thousands of Liberian refugees in Côte d’Ivoire during the civil war, received his posthumous presidential award at the Liberian Embassy here Friday.
Ambassador Al-Hassan Conteh presented the medal to Lloyd’s widow, Emma Mitchell Lloyd, on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. The ceremony followed Boakai’s admission of Lloyd on July 22 into the Humane Order of African Redemption with the rank and grade of knight official. Al-Jerome Anastas Chede Sr., minister counselor for press and public affairs at the embassy, read the presidential citation.
“Rev. Dr. J. Edwin Lloyd Sr. was a shining example of courage, integrity, compassion, and sacrifice,” Conteh said. “His lifelong dedication to serving humanity and improving the lives of others represents the highest ideals of Liberian patriotism and servant leadership.”
Lloyd served more than two decades in the Armed Forces of Liberia before becoming the first director general of the Bureau of Veteran Affairs. Under his leadership, Conteh said, Liberia established its only blood bank, expanded humanitarian outreach and mobilized young Liberians for volunteer service. He also said Lloyd was unafraid to confront those in power. “He was a man of uncommon bravery who publicly called out national leaders whenever injustices were being committed against his people,” Conteh said.
It was the refugee work that drew the longest tribute. “He became a vociferous advocate for Liberian refugees in Côte d’Ivoire during the Liberian civil war,” Conteh said. “Through his leadership, one of the most comprehensive support systems for displaced Liberians was established, providing food, shelter, education, vocational training, resettlement assistance, and, most importantly, renewed hope to thousands of people impacted by the conflict.”
Responding for the family, John F. Lloyd, the honoree’s eldest son and a former president of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas, thanked Boakai and the government. “Our father always reminded us that sacrifice and humility are among the greatest virtues of a selfless leader,” he said. “We are immensely proud of the life he lived and the legacy he left behind.” He said the continuing tributes showed that a life given to service does not end, and urged younger Liberians to follow the example.
Special Presidential Envoy Emmett Dunn, who described Lloyd as a mentor, said much of that help went to strangers. “Many individuals found safety and refuge from the devastating violence that engulfed Liberia because of the kindness, compassion, and dedication of Rev. Dr. Lloyd,” he said.
Among those attending were Sebastian Teclar, president of the Liberian Community Association in the DMV Metropolitan Area; Rev. Thomas Rainsbury; Bishop Darlingston Johnson; Rena Smith Jarrett; Rev. Suah Deddeh; Sangay Kamara; and Arthur Weah Doe.
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