[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 12, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H834-H837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE COURAGE OF THE HAITIAN SOLDIERS THAT FOUGHT FOR 
           AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE IN THE ``SIEGE OF SAVANNAH''

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 909) commemorating the courage of the 
Haitian soldiers that fought for American independence in the ``Siege 
of Savannah'' and for Haiti's independence and renunciation of slavery, 
as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 909

       Whereas in the fall of 1779, Haitian soldiers of the 
     Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint Domingue volunteered to join 
     in the fight for American independence;
       Whereas the unit was comprised of over 500 men of color 
     from the island of Haiti;
       Whereas on October 9, 1779, the soldiers of Chasseurs-
     Volontaires de Saint Domingue served as the largest unit of 
     soldiers of African descent to fight in the ``Siege of 
     Savannah'';
       Whereas records show that over 500 men sailed treacherous 
     waters to join the effort against the British;
       Whereas over 300 of them lost their lives attempting to 
     drive the British from Savannah;

[[Page H835]]

       Whereas the Savannah Monument, a project of the Haitian 
     American Historical Society represents the Haitian soldiers 
     that fought in the ``Siege of Savannah'';
       Whereas the Savannah Monument was erected in Savannah, 
     Georgia on Monday, October 8, 2007, to recognize the Haitian 
     involvement in the fight for American independence; and
       Whereas the Savannah Monument includes a statue of a 12-
     year-old drummer boy, depicting Mr. Henri Christophe, who 
     became a leader in Haiti's Revolution to gain independence 
     and renounce slavery: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives commemorates 
     the courage of the Haitian soldiers that fought for American 
     independence in the ``Siege of Savannah'' and for Haiti's 
     independence and renunciation of slavery.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) and the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. 
Boozman) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from American Samoa.


                             General Leave

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and to include extraneous material on the resolution under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from American Samoa?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution and yield myself such time as I may consume.
  First, I would like to thank the chief sponsor, my good friend and 
colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Meek), for his introduction 
of this resolution, which commemorates the courage of the Haitian 
soldiers who fought alongside our Revolutionary soldiers for gaining 
independence from Great Britain.
  House Resolution 909 also recognizes the establishment of the Haitian 
Memorial Monument, which celebrates the historical bond between the 
good people of Haiti and the United States, and demonstrates the 
significance of our Haitian American community.
  Mr. Speaker, the Haitian Memorial Monument, designed by the Haitian-
Canadian sculptor Gregroire Anocles, represents the war effort at the 
Siege of Savannah in the year 1779.
  Haiti's involvement in the fight for America's independence some 226 
years ago is a source of national pride for many Haitians, and it is 
long overdue that we attach the proper importance to this Haitian 
participation.
  After returning home, Haitian veterans of the Revolutionary War led 
their own rebellion and revolution against French colonialism, and 
eventually received independence from France in the year 1804. Mr. 
Speaker, in becoming independent, Haiti became the first free country 
in the Western Hemisphere led entirely by people of African descent.
  I strongly support this resolution, and I encourage my colleagues to 
vote in favor of this proposed bill.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in support of House Resolution 909, and I join my colleagues 
in recognizes the valuable contribution and significant sacrifice that 
Haitians made as they joined the fight for American independence over 
two centuries ago.
  In the fall of 1779, over 500 courageous men volunteered to cross the 
treacherous waters from Haiti to the U.S., to join our soldiers in the 
Siege of Savannah. This was no easy feat; yet these men were committed 
to fighting for America's liberty and independence.
  Representing the largest contingent of soldiers of African descent to 
fight in the American Revolution, these Haitian troops bravely joined 
in our efforts, forging the friendship between the U.S. and Haiti that 
has only strengthened in the centuries that followed.
  Sadly, such courage had a high price. More than 300 Haitians lost 
their lives in this battle. Last year, a monument to this glorious 
sacrifice was erected in Savannah, Georgia. The collaborative efforts 
of local officials in Georgia and the Haitian American Historical 
Society of Miami guided this project to completion.
  Today, the Savannah monument stands as a tribute to those individual 
foreign volunteers who joined in the American Revolution and 
commemorates the historic bond between the U.S. and Haiti.
  H. Res. 909 further commemorates Haiti's own struggle for 
independence and renunciation of slavery. What began as a slave revolt 
in 1791 ended with Haiti's own independence in 1804. And Haiti was the 
first nation in the Western Hemisphere to form a government led by the 
people of African descent and, remarkably, it was also the first nation 
in the Western Hemisphere to renounce slavery.
  For this reason, I am proud to stand with my congressional colleagues 
in calling for the passage of this important resolution. Yet we must 
also recognize that there is more to be done.
  Despite Haiti's early and historic commitment to democracy, the 
country continues to languish under the oppression of extreme poverty, 
disease, and violence. As a significant partner in the region, the U.S. 
must remain not only cognizant of Haiti's progress but also engaged in 
its development. We cannot be fully successful as a hemisphere without 
Haiti fulfilling its potential as a strong and vibrant nation.
  I want to thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Meek) for introducing 
H. Res. 909 and am proud to join in the commemoration of such 
courageous individuals.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure that I yield such 
time as he may consume to the chief sponsor of this proposed 
legislation, my good friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Meek).
  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues for 
the very kind words they have given about this great piece of 
legislation, this resolution.
  I think it is very, very important, Mr. Speaker, that we come 
together as a country and celebrate the contributions of other 
countries and the roles that they played in assisting us not only with 
our independence but making it concrete.
  Mr. Speaker, as we look at House Resolution 909, I want to give my 
sincere thanks to the Committee on Foreign Affairs for bringing this 
resolution to the floor, and especially shed light on Chairman Lantos 
for his forward-leaning and making sure that this resolution made it 
through the process. And he will be forever missed here in this body. 
And hopefully his memory will continue on, not only on the committee, 
but here in Congress.
  I think it is also important that we pause to not only thank staff 
but also thank Haitian Americans throughout this country that have 
fought very hard on behalf of this country, not only in Iraq, 
Afghanistan, and other theaters, but have contributed in many other 
areas. And that is where this bill came about.
  The Haitian American Historical Society in Miami, Florida, moved 
forth with a monument in Savannah of the great battle, and I had an 
opportunity to go there recently. And there are a number of Haitians 
and those that care about the well-being of Haiti that wanted to make 
sure that the contributions of these soldiers were recognized in a way 
that will be able to allow not only this generation but future 
generations to understand Haiti's contributions.
  When you start talking about 500 freed Haitian slaves traveling to 
Savannah, Georgia, to be a part of a multinational force to fight on 
behalf of this country against the Brits at that particular time, and 
to be in the same city where you had people who look like me that were 
enslaved, and traveling to Savannah is a very moving experience for 
every American, because so many battles have taken place there and it 
is such a historical and beautiful city that you can't help but pause 
to think about the courage.
  So for us to be on the floor, Mr. Speaker and Members, to not only 
talk but to pass, hopefully, this resolution will be the first time in 
the history of the Republic that we have actually said thank you to 
Haiti, that we have said thank you to the families of the 300 to 500 
troops that actually traveled to Savannah to fight on our behalf. I 
don't believe it is too late, but I think that it is very appropriate 
for us to be on the floor and allow the Members to show their 
appreciation for their contributions.

[[Page H836]]

  As we celebrate not only the contributions of these soldiers but we 
also shed light with our Members and Americans about the contributions 
that Haitians have made, I think, as we look at this debate and we look 
at what we are doing for Haiti right now, we must bring Americans up to 
speed on the history. The fact that these freed slaves came to Savannah 
and fought, and the fact that Haiti was one of the first countries to 
denounce slavery and to fight for their own independence, to fight 
Napoleon that pushed him to carry out the Louisiana Purchase with the 
United States of America, these Haitian fighters traveled throughout 
the Western Hemisphere and played a very strong role in allowing the 
United States to be who we are.
  So when we start talking about assistance for Haiti, it is not like 
it is a one-way street; it is a two-way street. And I am proud to 
represent a constituency where we have more Haitians than anywhere else 
in the United States of America, but Haitians throughout the diaspora, 
this will be a very proud day for them; and I believe it will be a very 
proud day for them when we vote in the affirmative.
  When we look at the contributions of Mr. Henry Christopher who fought 
in the American Revolutionary War, to use his experience from the first 
free government in the Western Hemisphere, and when we look at what the 
Haitian Americans Historical Society has spent a number of years to be 
able to not only bring the Haitian American history to the Congress but 
to also bring to everyday Americans, I think it is very, very 
important, Mr. Speaker, that Members share with their constituency the 
contribution of these great men, and to be able to make sure that we 
share the history of all communities that have come to this country to 
make us strong.
  Once again, I want to thank the committee, and I want to also thank 
the staff that has worked very hard on it. I know that we have other 
Members that want to speak in affirming the passage of this 
legislation. But I am personally moved because I represent a number of 
individuals that, when we look at immigration policy, when we look at 
aid to Haiti, when we look at our interventions when coups have taken 
place in Haiti, as recent as the 82nd Airborne, when we look at those 
in the State Department that serve within the Foreign Service and the 
conditions that they have to work under, when we also look at the Peace 
Corps and other organizations like it, religious institutions, a number 
of NGOs, that we call nongovernmental organizations, and what they do 
and where they live in the rural parts of Haiti, providing not only 
education and food; when we look at their contributions and we look at 
the conditions they have to work under now as Haiti struggles with 
natural disasters and struggles with hard economic times, this 
legislation will help enshrine not only the contributions of Haitians 
towards the United States, but also Americans returning not only the 
favor but the goodwill back to the great country of Haiti.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge the Members to vote in the affirmative 
on House Resolution 909.

                              {time}  1545

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from Florida's 
hard work and thoughtfulness in bringing this bill before the House, 
and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman 
from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished 
member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and I join him as a fellow 
member of the Foreign Affairs Committee to applaud and congratulate the 
distinguished gentleman from Florida who has a long history of 
representing Haitians in Florida, and who has a long history of concern 
for the Haitian people both today and in the past.
  As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and one who has traveled 
to Haiti and visited individuals who were incarcerated because of their 
beliefs in democracy, this commemoration is important because it 
reemphasizes the long-standing friendship between the United States and 
the Haitian people.
  I am saddened by the journey that Haitians have had to take over the 
last decade from Baby Doc and the oppressive leadership that they have 
had in past years, and their desire of necessity to flee because of 
persecution to the United States; and then, of course, the double 
standard between the wet feet/dry feet immigration policies where many 
of them have been treated in a discriminatory fashion.
  This accolade is long overdue. I might acknowledge the fact that this 
was in the early years of our beginning. It was in the dawn of October 
9, 1779, that this battle was fought on the western outskirts of 
Savannah, what was unquestionably the second bloodiest battle of the 
entire 8 years of the American War for Independence. Can we imagine 
that. These brave soldiers left their soil, many, many miles away from 
our land, about 750 Haitian freemen fought alongside colonial troops 
against the British in the Siege of Savannah on October 9, 1779. In a 
single hour, there fell within the area of a few hundred square yards 
more dead and wounded than are credited to any other battlefield in the 
struggle for American independence except for Bunker Hill. The valor of 
these brave men deserve to be commemorated, and I am proud to be a 
cosponsor of this legislation.
  Of course, we know that American history is intertwined with many 
brave persons from places far and wide. But I think this statement 
today also cements the importance of Haiti today as we fight against 
the extensive poverty that exists now today, as we try to assist them 
in building their democratic government, as we try to reemphasize a 
friendship between the United States and Haiti, and in essence 
apologize for some of the interventions that could be considered coups 
that resulted from policies utilized in this country.
  I would say this is a very important statement that again reinforces 
the relationship and again talks about the bravery of these Haitian 
soldiers.
  At a time when we are engaged in a global war on terror, joined by 
our friends and allies, it is imperative that we recognize the service 
and dedication provided in the past by foreign countries like Haiti.
  Mr. Speaker, I close my words by congratulating Mr. Meek again for 
this outstanding legislation; but more importantly, thanking the 
Haitian people, even though it may be somewhat late.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 909, commemorating 
the courage of the Haitian soldiers that fought for American 
independence in the ``Siege of Savannah'' for Haiti's independence and 
renunciation of slavery, introduced by my distinguished colleague 
Congressman Kendrick Meek of Florida. This is to be commended because 
it helps to educate Americans about the significant contributions made 
by Haitian ancestors.
  Mr. Speaker, in the early dawn of October 9, 1779, there was fought, 
on the then western outskirts of Savannah, what was unquestionably the  
second  bloodiest  battle  of  the entire 8 years of the American War 
for Independence. About 750 Haitian freemen fought alongside colonial 
troops against the British in the ``Siege of Savannah'' on October 9, 
1779. In a single hour there fell within an area of a few hundred 
square yards more dead and wounded than are credited to any other 
battlefield in the struggle for American independence except for Bunker 
Hill. The valor of those brave men deserves to be commemorated, and I 
am proud to cosponsor this legislation honoring their bravery and 
sacrifice.

  The year before, the city of Savannah, Georgia, had been captured by 
a British expeditionary corps under Lieutenant Colonel Archibald 
Campbell. On October 9, 1779, there was an attempt to retake Savannah 
from the British. The siege itself consisted of a joint effort with 
America, France, and Haiti. This battle represents the Revolutionary 
War as an international conflict more than any other engagement of the 
Revolution. It was the first time the French fought alongside the 
colonial army. This battle reminds us that the contribution of foreign 
resources, men, money, and material helped lead to the eventual success 
of the American cause for independence. It is important to provide 
recognition for the efforts of Haiti and their role in helping to 
liberate America from British rule.
  At a time in our country when we are engaged in a global war on 
terror, joined by our friends and allies, it is imperative that we 
recognize the service and dedication provided in the past by foreign 
countries like Haiti. Many of the foreign allied soldiers, including 
Haitians, who sacrificed during the process of America gaining freedom 
and independence, have not been recognized for their contributions to 
this Nation. Some were never told,

[[Page H837]]

``thank you'' for helping to better our society and contributing to our 
freedom. Too many were forgotten and unrecognized for their diligence, 
commitment and sacrifices.
  As we continue to celebrate the month of February and Black History 
Month, let us be mindful of the Haitian soldiers and the numerous 
others of the African diaspora that renounced slavery and aided in the 
formation of our great Nation. I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution honoring the courage of the Haitian soldiers who fought for 
American independence and renunciation of slavery .
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Again, I appreciate the hard work of the gentleman from 
Florida in bringing this forward. I would urge my fellow Congressmen to 
vote ``yes'' on this very timely resolution, and having no further 
speakers, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I thank my good friend from Arkansas for management 
of this legislation and commend the gentleman from Florida and the 
gentlewoman from Texas for their eloquent statements concerning this 
legislation.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 909 
introduced by Representative Kendrick Meek of Florida commemorating the 
courage of the Haitian soldiers that fought for American independence 
in the Siege of Savannah and for Haiti's independence and renunciation 
of slavery.
  H. Res. 909 recognizes the honorable act of the Haitian soldiers of 
the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint Domingue who volunteered to join the 
fight for American independence in the fall of 1779. Already in the 
fifth year of the American Revolution, Americans were growing weary of 
gaining independence when the Haitians stepped in. Today, we give them 
our gratitude for their bravery in sending over 500 soldiers to aid us 
in our fight for independence. We also remember and honor their 
sacrifice of over 300 men lost during the Siege of Savannah in October 
1779.
  I hold Haiti's achievements of being the world's first black-led 
republic and the first Caribbean state to achieve independence in high 
esteem. However, Haiti continues to struggle against poverty and 
instability. This is why we need to commemorate the landmark of the 
brave actions of the 500 Haitians who fought alongside Americans for 
our freedom.
  It is important that we honor the progress of states in the 21st 
century continuing the fight against racially driven injustice. I would 
like to mention that H.R. 3432, which I introduced in August 2007, was 
signed into law by the President last week on February 5, 2008. This 
bill called for the establishment of the commission on the abolition of 
the transatlantic slave trade.
  As Haiti still struggles to find her own model of peace and liberty, 
we extend our support by commemorating the loyalty of Haitians to the 
U.S. Haitians played a vital role in America's path to independence and 
freedom.
  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in support of H. Res. 909 
``Commemorating the Courage of the Haitian Soldiers That Fought for 
American Independence in the Siege of Savannah and for Haiti's 
Independence and Renunciation of Slavery.''
  This resolution highlights the heroism displayed by 900 Haitian 
soldiers in Savannah during the American Revolutionary War and is a 
source of great inspiration and pride for all Haitians. I am not 
surprised by the indomitable spirit of these Haitian soldiers who so 
courageously defended America's fight for independence.
  On October 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 monument in Savannah serves as a tribute to the hundreds of 
Haitian volunteers who took great risk and traveled by sea to fight for 
American freedom during the Revolutionary War. Today, I heartily 
applaud the Haitian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for our 
country.
  MR. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 909, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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