Happy Haitian Flag Day to everyone. It’s been a while since we posted. Usually this time of year we have plenty of celebrations and fundraising happening but COVID-19 has disrupted many traditions. Although we couldn’t have the big gatherings to celebrate the flag as we are accustomed to, we still wanted to take a moment to highlight why the Haitian Flag is celebrated all over the world. 2020 marks 217 years since the flag was created in 1803.
Haiti’s first flag is said to have been created by revolutionary Jean-Jacques Dessalines. It’s said that he took a French flag, tore out the white bits and then had his goddaughter Catherine Flon, sewed the red and blue together to make the first Haitian flag. The white center with the coat of arms was later added to the flag in 1806 by then President Alexandre Petion. The coat of arms includes a hilltop, weaponry, and a palm tree. A white ribbon on the hillside states, “Unity is Strength”. The enslaved people fought three global powers of the time, the French, the British and Spanish armies and came out victorious by coming together for the common goal of freedom.
In Haiti, Flag Day is a major national holiday celebrated throughout the country. With so many displaced and emigrated Haitians all over the world it is also celebrated in many other countries. We at Connect and Elevate share this celebration of a symbol of pride, unity and individual liberty with everyone. Displaying the Haitian flag represents freedom, fortitude and Flair. Join us in wishing Haiti and its people a Happy Haitian Flag Day, for all that the flag represents.