On Monday, May 18, 2026, the Embassy of Haiti in France solemnly celebrated the 223rd anniversary of the creation of the national flag and University Day. Under the official theme of the Haitian government, "With the Grenadiers, let's raise our flag higher" this celebration referenced Haiti's historic participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup (https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-47532-official-list-of-grenadiers-called-up-for-the-2026-fifa-world-cup.html) while also recalling the spirit of achievement that animates the nation.

The ceremony took place in the reception rooms of the diplomatic mission, bringing together, among others, the Ambassadors of the Dominican Republic, Gabon, and Taiwan; the Chargés d'affaires of Bolivia and Chile; representatives of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs; and other members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Paris.

Also present were members of the Haitian diplomatic and consular staff in France; Bruno Fuchs, President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly; Nicolas Guinard, Director of Political Affairs and Democratic Governance at the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF); Jean-Marc Four, Director of Radio France Internationale; as well as French parliamentarians; mayors and deputy mayors of several French cities; OIF officials; community leaders; and members of the Haitian community in France.

The commemoration began with the playing of the national anthem, in memory of the heroes of independence who, on May 18, 1803, in Arcahaie, gave birth to the national bicolor flag.

Speaking on this historic occasion, the Haitian Ambassador to France, Louino Volcy, first recalled the historical and symbolic significance of the Haitian flag: “The Haitian flag is first and foremost the symbol of immense pride: the pride of a history of freedom, the pride of the first successful slave revolution in the history of humankind, the pride of the first independent Black republic in the modern world and the first independent state in Latin America and the Caribbean.” »

The Ambassador then recalled the historical context of the creation of the national flag : "The adoption of the Haitian flag dates back to the political-military congress held on May 18, 1803, in Arcahaie, during the War of Independence.”

Addressing the country’s contemporary challenges, Mr. Volcy emphasized “the will and determination of the Government of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé to restore peace and security in Haiti and to stabilize the country politically, socially, and economically, so that free and credible elections can be held."

Continuing his remarks, the Ambassador emphasized the collective responsibility of Haitians toward their historical heritage: "The Haitian flag is also the symbol of a Nation standing tall." He reiterated that preserving this heritage requires collective action based on the national motto.

“Our national motto, ‘Unity is Strength’ remains a pragmatic formula for action that still possesses infinite power and unlimited energy,” he added. “The unity of Haitians can create the necessary strength to face current challenges and allow our bicolor flag to fly even higher."

Furthermore, the Ambassador reminded everyone that “the flag is first and foremost the symbol of immense pride, then the symbol of an immense heritage to preserve and defend, and finally, the symbol of a nation standing tall.”

This celebration once again reaffirmed the unwavering attachment of the Haitian people to their history, their symbols, and the ideals of freedom and dignity embodied for 223 years by the national flag.

IH/ iciHaiti