Kendrick Meek: “Yesterday, May 18, marking the 200th year of Haitian history, Haitian Americans and the country of Haiti celebrated…”

“Yesterday, May 18, marking the 200th year of Haitian history, Haitian Americans and the country of Haiti celebrated their Flag Day. They celebrated in the country of Haiti with great fanfare on the grounds of the Haiti's capitol. In the United States Haitian Americans celebrated Flag Day with cultural events, including ceremonies, concerts, and prayer vigils. Haitian Americans in my district celebrated countywide and particularly in an area that is fondly known as 'Little Haiti' to commemorate their Flag Day. America is founded on basic democratic beliefs and cultural values of people from every country in this world. There are over 1.2 million Haitians living in the United States today, with over 700,000 in Florida. I honor Haitian Americans for continuing to believe in the guiding phrase that is included below the country arms in Haiti's flag, 'In Union There Is Strength.' That unity has been seen throughout American History since the 1700s. During the American Revolution at Savannah, Haitians and Americans fought side by side prevailing against Britain and creating the independence of the 13 colonies. Haitians Americans are woven into the fabric of American culture, economy, and politics.”