SR0552 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0552 LRB093 21995 KEF 51209 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In commemoration of Haitian people, this body proclaims May 18th, 2004, as Haitian Flag Day as it has become a source of pride and is synonymous with unity and individual liberty; and

WHEREAS, In 1779, a regiment of soldiers of Haitian descent called the Chasseurs-Volontaires made a crucial contribution to our country when they fought on the side of Americans in the Battle of Savannah, Georgia, one of the two bloodiest battles of the American Revolutionary War; and

WHEREAS, The forces merged with 4,000 American troops led by General Benjamin Lincoln, among them was a 12-year old drummer boy named Henri Christophe; he later also fought against the British in Pensacola, Florida, and survived both battles as he was destined to become a foremost leader in Haitian history, indeed the George Washington of Haiti; he was a Freedom Fighter and fought for American Independence; and

WHEREAS, As part of his plan to regain control of Savannah from the British, General Benjamin Lincoln summoned French Admiral D'estaing's naval forces to blockade the coastal Georgia port from British ships; among them were 500 to 800 Haitian volunteers who had joined the Admiral's 4,000 men; and

WHEREAS, Once on land, Haitian soldiers fought fiercely alongside some of the finest American officers, including Lincoln, McIntosh, Pulaski, and Marion; and

WHEREAS, Indeed, the contribution of the French brigade on land, composed mainly of Haitians, was crucial in protecting the American soldiers as they retreated; even though this battle was lost, the Americans were able to recover to fight another battle thanks to the soldiers who provided their cover, including the Haitians who died fighting for America's freedom; and

WHEREAS, In these important ways and many more, Haitians have contributed greatly to the history and development of our country, making us who we are today and continuing to positively shape who we will be tomorrow; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we proclaim May 18, 2004, as Haitian Flag Day to commemorate the contributions of Haitians in the Battle of Savannah, Georgia, and thank the Haitians today for the courage Haitian soldiers showed as American allies during the Revolutionary War, and for the contributions Haitians continue to make to our country; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the representative of the Haitian Diplomatic Mission accredited in the United States and to the National Chairman of the Haitian/American Voters and Entrepreneurs National Organization.