Bonne Fête du Drapeau! Today is Haitian Flag Day…a day that Haitians commemorate the creation of the nation’s red and blue symbol. The Haitian flag was created on May 18th, 1803, in the town of Arcahaie during a congress held in the midst of the country’s war for independence. By removing the middle white stripe of the French tricolor, symbolizing European domination, and stitching together the remaining red and blue stripes, representing Haiti’s black and interracial citizens, the flag came to embody your nation’s spirit of freedom, unity, and individual liberty.
In the aftermath of January’s devastating earthquake, it took on new resonance. The world rallied around the Haitian flag in an unprecedented outpouring of generosity and support. And like the stitched-together stripes of the flag, the Haitian people joined in solidarity to confront the challenges facing your country.
Today’s celebrations across Haiti and the Diaspora community are a testament to your resilience and determination even during the most challenging time. As we commemorate Flag Day, we must pay special tribute to those Haitians who despite having lost so much continue to work to build a stronger, more prosperous nation and a better tomorrow.
As the flag inspired an earlier generation of Haitians in their struggle for freedom, may it now inspire all of us to work for Haiti’s future. The United States will continue to stand with you as a friend and partner. And #IFWT sends you our warmest wishes on this special day.
