Commemoration for Contributions of Haitian Soldiers Who Fought for American Independence during the Revolutionary War
WASHINGTON, DC (BPRW) – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) introduced a Congressional Resolution (H. Res. 909) on December 19th commemorating the contributions of Haitian soldiers that fought for American independence at the Siege of Savannah during the American Revolutionary War.
The Resolution also marks Haiti’s independence and renunciation of slavery.
Congressman Meek, who represents Florida’s 17th Congressional District, which includes Little Haiti, traveled to Savannah, Georgia on October 7-8 to attend the dedication of the Savannah Monument Project.
Congressman Meek
“The heroism displayed by Haitian soldiers in Savannah during the American Revolutionary War is a source of great inspiration and pride for Haitians,” said Congressman Kendrick B. Meek.
“Haitians bled for our country, and the Savannah Monument Project and this Congressional Resolution help honor the sacrifice of these brave Haitians who played a part in the founding of our great democracy. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Haitian American Historical Society which initiated the effort to build the monument, this great achievement will be recognized by the U.S. Congress.”
On October 9, 1779, the soldiers of Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint Domingue (Haiti) served as the largest unit of soldiers of African descent to fight in the Siege of Savannah alongside American and French forces. The Monument in Savannah serves as a tribute to the hundreds of Haitian volunteers who took great risk and traveled by sea to fight for American freedom during the Revolutionary War.
The Haitian American Historical Society, a Miami-based non-profit organization, worked with local leaders in Savannah to erect the Savannah Monument Project in Franklin Square, Savannah’s Historic District. The Society has raised over $400,000 in private donations to fund the monument.
“The Savannah Monument represents the free black men of Haiti that helped America win its independence from British Rule. I am grateful to the city of Savannah for this overdue recognition,” said Daniel Fils-Aimé, Chairman of The Haitian American Historical Society.
The monument, designed by Miami sculptor James Mastin, consists of four life-size figures in military uniforms. One is wounded, one is shooting and another is cocking his gun. The fourth figure is a 12-year-old drummer boy, a representation of Henri Christophe who later became King of Haiti after freed slaves successfully executed their own revolution against France.
According to the Haitian American Historical Society, many key figures in the Haitian War of Independence gained military experience and political insights through their participation in Savannah, most notably Henri Christophe.
Joseph Lambert, President of the Senate in Haiti and Raymond Joseph, Haitian Ambassador to the U.S. attended the Savannah Monument Project dedication ceremonies.
Civic and community leaders from Miami joining Congressman Meek in Savannah, included State Representative Ronald A. Brisé, City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Dorrin Rolle, City of North Miami Councilman Jacques Despinosse and Councilwoman Marie Erlande Steril, and Village of El Portal Mayor Mariette St. Vil.
