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Posted on Thu, Dec. 20, 2007

Haitian troops honored for U.S. revolution role

U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, a Miami Democrat, has introduced a congressional resolution commemorating the courage of Haitian soldiers who fought on behalf of the United States' independence in the ''Siege of Savannah'' during the American Revolutionary War.

Meek introduced the resolution in Congress on Wednesday, and it also marks Haitian independence and the renunciation of slavery. Haiti will celebrate its independence as the first free black republic on Jan. 1.

In October, the Haitian American Historical Society, a Miami-based nonprofit organization, erected the Savannah Monument Project in Franklin Square, the historic district of the Georgia city. The society raised more than $400,000 in private donations to fund the monument, and worked alongside Savannah leaders. Meek, who represents one of the largest constituencies of Haitian-American voters, was among those at the dedication ceremony.

''The heroism displayed by Haitian soldiers in Savannah during the American Revolutionary War is a source of great inspiration and pride for Haitians,'' Meek said.

``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 Oct. 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 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 was designed by Miami sculptor James Mastin and 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 staged their own revolution against France.