LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 18, 2013, as Haitian Flag Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to memo-
rialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 18, 2013, as Haitian
Flag Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, From May 15-18, 1803, the Congress of Arcahaie convened to
unite the command of the revolutionary army under one authority and to
adopt a flag; it was not until May 18, 1803, that flag adoption became
an issue; and
WHEREAS, The flag debate lasted the entire day, with one side suggest-
ing the slogan "Liberty or Death"; finally the Congress adopted the blue
and red bicolor, which is the flag of Haiti; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Flon had sewn the original flag on the last day of
the Congress of Arcahaie, and the generals swore an oath of "Liberty or
Death" on the flag, which was to lead the slaves to victory and freedom;
and
WHEREAS, The people of Haiti take a great deal of pride in their
nation's flag; after struggling for years to rid their territory of both
slavery and imperialism, Haitian revolutionaries were able to achieve
such goals; and
WHEREAS, There is no greater symbol of their everlasting dedication to
an independent Haiti than the flag which represents their triumphs; and
WHEREAS, The descendants of these revolutionaries are so proud of them
that students of Haitian backgrounds within the United States dress with
the colors of the flag throughout the week of May 18, celebrating when
the flag was first created; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to urge the citi-
zens of New York State to join those of Haitian backgrounds as they
rejoice in the accomplishments of their ancestors by memorializing May
18, 2013, as Haitian Flag Day; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 18, 2013, as
Haitian Flag Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.