While Haitians recognize and celebrate collective achievements such as the writing of the first Haitian constitution in 1801, the victorious Slave rebellion against France in 1803, the declaration of Saint Dominique's independence (currently Haiti and Dominican Republic) in 1804, or the end of American invasion in 1934. Haiti's contribution to world history is often overlooked.
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 1930'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.
One of the primary symbols of Haitian freedom is the Haitian flag created by Catherine Flon on May 18, 1803 (Archiet, a town located outside of Port-Au-Prince). Since then, May 18th has been observed as the Haitian Flag Day as it has become a source of pride and synonymous with unity, 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 history, 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 of Haitian reads "L'union Fait La Force", in Unity we find strength.
For most Haitian, the flag incarnates the spirit of freedom and rebellion against mental and physical slavery. It is unfortunate that a number of Haitian citizens, including political leaders have yet realized the significant of the Haitian Revolution. Many of whom have no identity and carry their national pride in their pocket.
National pride reigned supreme as Haitians throughout the Diaspora celebrated the 200th Anniversary of the Haitian flag. A series of cultural events and functions were held in the New York Metropolitan area, including a flag hoisting ceremony held at Medgar Evers College, music and cultural presentations at York College in Queens, and a Haitian Flag Day Unity Parade which stretched from the heart of Eastern Parkway to Mt. Prospect Park. This parade was sponsored by the18 Mai Committee, a group of dedicated young men and women who have strived to bring public awareness to Haitian 200th Independence Anniversary. Though the parade gathered fewer then expected, it is nevertheless, a celebration of the spirit of the nation and a symbol of unity and strength.

As Haitians, we must remember the rich and magnificent history that we have been endowed with. It is imperative that we manifest the strength that we have gained from our great heritage through support of the programs erected to demonstrate the unity that we profess and inspire such an ideal in others. Though music and dance encompasses much of the Haitian culture, it is not the sole component of our culture and, as such, should not be the only reason to cause us to gather. Moreover, the strength of the nation and pride amongst Haitians in general will only be enhanced if we observe our history through an active reflection on the events of the past that have led us to this point in the present.