Haitians holding Haitian and American flags

Drummers adding the beats in the parade

Young Haitians carrying a huge Haitian flag during the Haitian Flag Day on May 18, 2008

"The weather did behave this year for letting the rain to fall elsewhere", claimed Yvon Alteon, an enthusiastic supporter of this event. "Despite whatever anyone could say, the parade lined up a bunch of people who indeed enjoyed themselves", added surprisingly another reporter.

Indeed, Brockton Temple well-dressed Pathfinders animated the head of the parade with the beat of their drums enticing other marchers to follow the rhythm. In addition, cheerleaders of little girls didn't hide their talent while they were chanting and dancing in a patriotic environment. Other professional dancers from troupe Arc-en-ciel of Boston made people's cameras clicking with their talented crew of choreographers showcasing themselves along Blue Hill Avenue near Mattapan square.

In the meantime, decorated vans and trucks bearing Haitian flags and artifacts traveled slowly to display advertisements of the sponsors who contributed to promote this event. There were also many other young talents willing to apply their support as a strong sense of unity. Of course, every participant collaborated grandiosely during the parade to meet the organizers' guidelines who surely worked overnight and ensured that the 8th Annual Haitian-American Unity Parade to be a success in spite of the absence this year of their traditional marching band.

Our ancestors marched toward Arcahaie and together they created the symbolic Haitian flag and built a great nation. As Haiti stands, we Haitians have the duty to keep our forefathers' dream alive by commemorating each year our flag day, symbol of unity. If we see the country's future, we need to sacrifice ourselves and show the world that we have a moral obligation toward our country which is unity, and to work together as a nation.

Launching such celebration should normally require a financial asset and most importantly a sense of patriotism. That's why the masterminds of these events are raising money annually and pledge the support of various volunteers, religious groups, in other words Haitian patriots to join the crowd and raise awareness and understanding on the Haitian culture and traditions.

Every year on, or before May 18th, the H.A.U. inc. is proud to raise the Haitian flag in front of Boston's City Hall to pay tribute to the Haitian and American flags and takes the opportunity to feature performances by Haitian-American students, speeches by various elected officials.

The Haitian-American Unity day parade usually follows this event one or two days after. However, this year alone, it was celebrated proudly on Sunday, May 18, 2008, 205 years from the creation of the Haitian flag on May 18, 1803. Despite Haiti's difficult time, many Haitians and Haitian-Americans from Boston, New York and other states showed up not only to participate in that beautiful celebration, but also to support the organizers of the parade particularly Wilner Auguste, his wife and associates.

Since 2001, the Haitian-Americans United, Inc. (H.A.U.) a non-profit organization based in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has been launching every year in the month of May the Haitian flag day parade to keep the Haitian culture alive and to educate Haitians and Haitian-Americans through Community Empowerment and cultural development, using an approach where participation and unity are strongly favored.

It is not without difficulty that members, supporters and president of this organization joined together in order to throw their annual events such as the Haitian Independence Day Gala and the Haitian-American Unity parade, thus bringing pride, dignity and sense of hope to many Haitians.

The latter is one of several events celebrating the Haitian Heritage Month (May 1-31.) It's a multi-block procession that travels straight up Blue Hill Avenue and ends on Talbot Avenue. It features historical floats, Haitian-American student delegations from local elementary and high schools, colleges and universities, marching bands, youth and religious groups, various elected officials, as well as several well-known community leaders and dignitaries.

Performers of Troupe Arc-en-Ciel

Haitian BNN TV broadcasting the event

Cheerleaders during the parade

Haitian dancers ready to perform