Press Release
| For Immediate Release February 12, 2008 |
Contact: Adam Sharon (202) 225-4506 |
U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek's Resolution Commemorating Contributions of Haitian Soldiers Who Fought for American Independence Passes U.S. House of Representatives
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek's (D-FL) Congressional Resolution (H. Res. 909) commemorating the contributions of Haitian soldiers that fought for American independence at the Siege of Savannah during the American Revolutionary War unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Resolution also marks Haiti's independence and renunciation of slavery.
"It is fitting that during Black History Month, the United States Congress recognized for the first time the sacrifice of these brave Haitians who played a part in the founding of our great democracy. 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. "Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Haitian American Historical Society which initiated the effort to build the monument, this great achievement is now recognized by the U.S. Congress."
Congressman Meek requested a recorded vote on this Resolution so that every Member of Congress would have to further educate themselves and their staff on this important historical subject.
In support of the Resolution, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel published an editorial marking the significance of this event and wrote, "In South Florida, where Haitian immigrants have settled in large numbers, retelling the story could be a source of pride for many children bombarded with negative images of their homeland."
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.
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.
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, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Dorrin Rolle, City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, City of North Miami Councilman Jacques Despinosse and Councilwoman Marie Erlande Steril, and Village of El Portal Mayor Mariette St. Vil.
A copy of H. Res. 909 follows.
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.
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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.
