The 206th Commemoration Of Haitian Flag Day
18 May 1803 - 18 May, 2009
Statement of President Barack Obama on Haitian Flag Day
The United States and Haiti share a deeply intertwined history and a long standing friendship. In 1779, freemen from the French colony of Saint Domingue, now the Republic of Haiti, came to the aid of American patriots fighting for freedom at the Siege of Savannah. Today, we remain connected by a Haitian-American community that contributes greatly to the economic, social, cultural, scientific and academic fabric of the United States and by my administration's steadfast commitment to come to the aid of those in Haiti working to ensure that Haiti's future is stable, sustainable and prosperous. On this Haitian Flag Day, I am proud to send my warm wishes and those of the American people to the people of Haiti and the Haitian Diaspora as they celebrate during Haitian Heritage Month.
The 206th Commemoration Of Haitian Flag Day
By Rene Devis , Heritagekonpa Magazine
For
more than 200 years, the Haitian flag has served as a symbol of freedom and a
source of pride for many Haitians. Each and every year, Haitian Flag Day, is celebrated
on May 18th to commemorate Haiti's struggle against slavery and its triumphant
victory over the three greatest military powers in the world (in the 19th century
-Spain, England, and France).
Despite Haiti's significant contributions to world history such as the writing of the first Black Republic constitution in 1801 (Haiti), the victorious Slave rebellion in 1803, the declaration of Saint Dominique's independence --currently Haiti and Dominican Republic-- in 1804, or the end of American invasion in 1934, many western scholars continue to undermine the strong will of this small Caribbean nation.
The Haitian Revolution was the first and most successful slave rebellion in the Western Hemisphere. This revolution fueled the widespread movement for freedom throughout Latin American, the Caribbean, and Africa, and served as an inspiration to African-American leaders in the 1900's. The Haitian revolution has challenged the world's concept of supremacy by being the first independent Black nation in the world and the second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere.
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One of the primary symbols of freedom from the Haitian Revolution was the creation of the Haitian flag. Catherine Flon, an Arcahaien (a town located outside of Port-au-Prince) seamstress, stitched together the first version of the Haitian flag on May 18, 1803. Since then, May 18th has been observed as the Haitian Flag Day synonymous with unity and a source of pride, and individual liberty. Thus, while Catherine Flon is often a forgotten figure in our cherished history, the significance of her creation is greatly remembered as she constructed more than just a mere patchwork of material and color but a commemoration of our tumultuous struggles and the heroes of our past, Toussaint L'ourverture, Jean Jacques Dessaline, Alexandre Petion, and Capois La Mort.
Indeed, the bicolor of the Haitian Flag may be thus explained: The red symbolizes the blood and the sacrifices made by the heroes of the Haitian Revolution, and the blue is emblematic of hope and unity. The slogan reads "L'union Fait La Force", in Unity we find strength.
Voix et Tambours d'Haiti sang the U.S. and Haitian Nation Anthem . Photo by Tequila Minsky ( Heritagekonpa Magazine)
May 18 is a proud day to celebrate Haitian history. The day should remind us of the firm commitment and unprecedented sacrifices made by our independence heroes to liberate Haiti from slavery.
The Month of May has been recognized as Haitian Heritage Month. A series of cultural events, including Haitian Day Parade, Compas Festival, Music Festival, Art Exhibits, and interactive presentations on Haiti will be held in Boston, New York, Washington DC, and FLorida
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