The 203rd Commemoration Of Haitian Flag Day
18 May 1803 - 18 May, 2006
By Rene Devis, Heritgekonpa Magazine
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.

NYC Council, Yvette Clark, Leroy Comrie and Kendal Stewart, celebrated Haitian Flag Day by Natacha Alexandre

One of the primary symbols of freedom from the Haitian Revolution was the creation of the Haitian flag. Catherine Flon, an Arcahaie's (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 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.
In spite of it all, the Haitian flag still remains a symbol of national pride and patriotism.
Haitian patriots and officials in a number of countries held various ceremonies to mark the 203rd anniversary of Flag Day. A colorful ceremony was held at City Hall in New York on Wednesday May 17 in connection with Haitian Flag Day Celebration. On the occasion, Sergeant Herve Guiteau (NYDP) hoisted Haiti's national flag to mark the day.
Major officials from New York City's Council, including Yvette Clark, Leroy Comrie and Kendal Stewart, foreign diplomats, as well as Consul General, Felix Augustin, Harry Fouche and other members of the " Consortium for Haitian Empowerment witnessed the Haitian Flag Day celebration at City Hall.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of Haitians residing in New York and New Jersey. Martina Bruno, a talented Haitian American singer, performed a great rendition of the Haitian National anthem, "La Dessalinienne".
Similar flag hoisting ceremonies were scheduled to take place in Somerville (Boston), and Miami to commemorate Haitian Flag Day.
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, Music Festival, Art Exhibits, and interactive presentations on Haiti will be held in Boston, New York, Washington DC, and the Miami area.

Sergeant Guitean and members of the AFLO saluting the Haitian and US Flag at City Hall Chambers. Photo by Natacha Alexandre ( Heritagekonpa Magazine)
Celebrate Haitian Heritage Month:
Miami Events:

Sunday May 21, 2006 Books & Books Lincoln Road from 7-8pm Meet author Anthony Hattenback of "Stars Over Haiti" as he dicsuss his book and Mecca aka Grimo as he do spoken word about the beauty of Haiti from his newly released CD "Boat People" . Both the book and the Cd will be on sale and part of the proceeds will go to benefit the Haitian Heritage Museum.
New York main event:
Haitian Day Parade (Featuring: Sweet Micky (after parade at Nostrand Park)
Nostrand Ave & Linden
307 Stuyvesant Avenue
Sunday May 26, 2006 11:00 AM
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Boston :
May 21, 1 p.m. Boston, Massachusetts 6th Annual Haitian-American Unity Parade From Mattapan Square/ Blue Hill Ave to Talbot Ave