Haitian flag raised in Norwich in honor of Haitian Flag Day.

Matt Grahn, The Bulletin
·2 min read
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NORWICH — Local leaders and members of the Norwich community gathered outside city hall Thursday for the Haitian Flag Raising ceremony, recognizing Haitian Flag Day. About two dozen attended, some carrying their own Haitian flags as well.

This was a part of the Haitian Heritage Month organized by the Greeneville Neighborhood Committee. Cynthia Jean-Mary, the group's vice president, gave a speech while it was translated from English into Haitian Creole by Jean Gerard Luc.

Jean-Mary spoke about Haitian history, as it was the first independent nation in the Caribbean since colonization. The Haitian people fought against oppression and tyranny in the past, and prevailed.

“It is that indomitable spirit that courses through our veins today,” she said.

The Haitian Flag waving in Norwich. This is the first flag raising on the new flagpole at the city hall courtyard.
The Haitian Flag waving in Norwich. This is the first flag raising on the new flagpole at the city hall courtyard.

The Haitian community should also build upon its traditions and share it with the world, Jean-Mary said.

“Our heritage has gifted us a rich tapestry of culture, art, music, and literature,” she said.

Haitian population is growing in U.S.

The Haitian population has also been increasing around the country as part of an immigration plan the U.S. announced in January. This plan will accept 30,000 people monthly from Haiti, Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela. People selected for the program can work in the U.S. for two years if they pass background checks and have eligible sponsors, the AP reported.

While there may be challenges, Jean-Mary wanted to remind the Haitians who are coming now to the U.S. to maintain their culture, support each other, and remember that they’re resilient people.

“Your decision to leave your home in search of a new opportunity is a courageous one, and I want you to know that you are not alone,” she said.

Raising the Haitian flag was Maximus Baruch Bouilly, Jean-Mary’s son. He said it’s important that Norwich holds the flag raisings.

“If you are a part of a community, it makes you feel good that you are seen in the community,” he said.

Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom also gave a proclamation recognizing Haitian Flag Day in Norwich

“Norwich is home to a large Haitian community, which is integral to the fabric of the Rose City, and contributes immeasurably to the city’s rich diversity,” he said during the proclamation.

Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom presents Greeneville Neighborhood Committee Vice President Cynthia Jean-Mary with a proclamation recognizing the Haitian community in Norwich during the Haitian Flag Raising on May 18.
Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom presents Greeneville Neighborhood Committee Vice President Cynthia Jean-Mary with a proclamation recognizing the Haitian community in Norwich during the Haitian Flag Raising on May 18.

This was also the first of the Global City Norwich flag raisings to use the new flagpole installed at the city hall courtyard. A smaller, portable flagpole was used in prior ceremonies. A car was used to support the old flagpole’s base.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Norwich recognizes Haitian Flag Day in Haitian Heritage Month