Unity Makes Strength: Haitians’ Motto

by Celine Elveus (BPRW)

It has not been too pleasant watching the news about Haiti lately with the latest information about high food prices and the people looting and rioting in the streets. However, one would not think that the Haitian people were in distress looking at those living in south Florida celebrating Flag Day, their favorite holiday of the year. As usual, there were replicas of the flag everywhere; floating on cars, serving as bandanas around people’s heads, and being carried as props. Some people even made dresses out of the flags and wore it during the annual celebration.

Haitian Flag Day, celebrated during Haitian Heritage Month in May, is the one holiday out of the year that any Haitian refuses to miss. In south Florida, people come from all different cities to Miami to celebrate. With a lineup of great energized Haitian musicians playing their favorite Kompas music, the festivity does not end until the next day. Each year, more than 40,000 people congregate at Bayfront Park to escape whatever unpleasant turmoil that is ravaging their country.

The blue and red Haitian flag was first created when Jean Jacques Dessalines tore up the French tricolor flag and put the blue and red pieces together to form a new flag in 1803. A more polished version with the coat of arms of Haiti was sewn by Catherine Flon. The original Flag Day is May 18.

Despite the infinite mayhem going on in the island, the people get rejuvenated after uniting with their fellow brothers and sisters to rejoice in the name of their flag. Haiti’s motto L’Union Fait La Force, “Unity Makes Strength,” seems to fit the nation. Regardless of troubles at home, they will always stand by their culture and country. It is proven that Haitians are deeply rooted trees that even if cut to the ground, their roots will never die.