Saturday, as part of the commemoration of the 212th anniversary of the creation of the Haiti flag https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-13860-haiti-diaspora-haitians-of-chicago-are-preparing-to-greatly-celebrate-our-flag.html , Lesly Condé, the Consul General of Haiti in Chicago issued a patriotic message we invite you to share :

Message from Consul General Lesly Condé :

"Dear members of the Community,

Dear Friends of Haiti,

Dear compatriots,

Brothers and sisters,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I consider myself privileged to be in your company on this proud day. This atmosphere of collaboration is indeed an ideal way to celebrate the two hundred and twelfth anniversary of our national symbol. On behalf of the Consulate General of Haiti in Chicago and its staff, I thank you all for being here and participating in the celebration of our identity.

Our flag is the result of an extraordinary collaboration between people who came from different backgrounds. The only thing they had in common was the need for freedom. I find this Annual Flag Day Community Meeting to be a very appropriate way to celebrate the creation of our flag and pay homage to our brave ancestors.

Indeed, our flag belongs to the history of mankind since it represents, at least in the New World, the very first clear irreversible public declaration against the exploitation of man by man as it existed at the beginning of the nineteenth century. With much pride, we claim this exciting page of history as part of our heritage. It is a legacy of the courage and pragmatism of our ancestors. The world may well choose to ignore our past and act as if it never happened. But our duty is to cherish it and to draw from it the inspiration that will fuel tomorrow`s generations.

In closing, I must, once again, congratulate the Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti for spearheading this Community Celebration. That spirit of collaboration is what our flag teaches us. I also thank all the participating Community Organizations.

This flag, symbol of our identity, is also a meaningful icon beyond our borders. It is our responsibility to tell our children about our history and encourage them to learn everything about their identity."

HL/ HaitiLibre