Happy birthday Haiti! Jan 1, 1804- 2009

What a great way to start the first blog for the new year! I am so honored to do so. Today is Haiti's birthday! Our nation was born on this day in 1804 when our ancestors chased the mighty army of Napoleon out of the country. It was a bloody battle nevertheless we ended up being the first black independent country in the whole hemisphere and an inspiration for many other countries.

Let it be known that Haiti fought for many countries before and after it's independence. I will however focus on special one that is unfortunately not well know it is called the "siege of Savannah" as a matter of fact a monument was erected in Savannah in remembrance of these courageous Haitian soldiers including a Haitian teenage boy drummer: Henri Christophe who later became president and built the famous Citadelle in the Cap Haitian. Haiti is 204 years old! We have a long way to go, nevertheless we should never give up! Enjoy your squash soup (if you do not know what I am talking about please read squash soup history and go to our famous squash soup recipe
Since I focused more on the USA let me as well let you know more about: H.RES.909
Title: Commemorating the courage of the Haitian soldiers that fought for American independence in the "Siege of Savannah" and for Haiti's independence and renunciation of slavery.
Sponsor: Rep Meek, Kendrick B. [FL-17] (introduced 12/19/2007) Cosponsors (32)
Latest Major Action: 2/12/2008 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 361 - 0 (Roll No. 44). (Link/source: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h.res.00909)

H. RES. 909

Commemorating the courage of the Haitian soldiers that fought for American independence in the "Siege of Savannah" and for Haiti's independence and renunciation of slavery.



IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

December 19, 2007

Mr. Meek's (for himself) submitted the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

Commemorating the Haitian soldiers that fought for American independence at the "Siege of Savannah," during the American Revolutionary War.

Whereas in the fall of 1779, Haitian soldiers of the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint Domingue
volunteered to join in the fight for American independence;

Whereas the unit was comprised of over 500 men of color from the island of Haiti;

Whereas on October 9, 1779, the soldiers of Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint Domingue
served as the largest unit of soldiers of African descent to fight in the
"Siege of Savannah;"

Whereas records show that over 500 men sailed treacherous waters to join the effort against
the British;

Whereas over 300 of them lost their lives attempting to drive the British from Savannah;

Whereas the Savannah Monument, a project of the Haitian American Historical Society
represents the Haitian soldiers that fought in the "Siege of Savannah;"

Whereas the Savannah Monument was erected in Savannah, Georgia on Monday,
October 8, 2007 to recognize the Haitian involvement in the fight
for American independence; and

Whereas the Savannah Monument includes a statute of a 12-year-old drummer boy,
depicting Mr. Henri Christophe, whom became a leader in Haiti's Revolution
to gain independence and renounce slavery: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives commemorate the courage of the Haitian soldiers that fought for American independence in the "Siege of Savannah" and for Haiti's independence and renunciation of slavery.

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves on the House Committee on Armed Services and is the lone Floridian sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means.
(Source/link: http://kendrickmeek.house.gov/press/2008.02.12b.shtml)