Plaque Unveiled to Commemorate Haitian Independence

The Embassy of Haiti in France recently participated in an unveiling ceremony for a plaque commemorating Haiti's independence, proclaimed on January 1, 1804. The event took place in Saint-Junien, located in the department of Haute-Vienne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

Thanks to the initiative of the "Foutez-nous la Paix" Festival and support from local officials, Saint-Junien became the first city in France to install a commemorative plaque. The ceremony was attended by Haitian Ambassador Louino Volcy, Mayor Hervé Beaudet, writer Lyonel Trouillot, geographer Jean-Marie Théodat, and other cultural figures.

Mayor Beaudet honored the bravery of Dessalines and his troops who fought against French forces to secure Haiti's independence. He emphasized that Saint-Junien, a site with a history of social and anti-colonial struggles, cannot ignore this pivotal moment in world history.

Ambassador Volcy stated during the ceremony: "This gesture by the city of Saint-Junien pays tribute to these men and women who risked their lives fighting slavery, daring to be free, and founding the first independent black Republic in the world." According to him, the installation of the plaque is a recognition of Haiti's historical significance.

The unveiling of this commemorative plaque represents a symbolic act that strengthens ties between Saint-Junien and Haiti.