WASHINGTON, DC   – On May 17, The White House Office of Public Engagement hosted a 175-member delegation of Haitian Diaspora leaders and friends of Haiti from New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington DC Metro, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, California, Canada and Haiti to commemorate the Haitian Flag Day.  The Haitian League has historically sponsored this event at the White House but this year’s event held a special significance.

Hosted at the tail of the Haitian Diaspora Federation Press Conference at the National Press Club, this year’s  Flag Day commemoration coined “L’Union Fait La Force” (Strength in Unity) was a memorial for the victims of the January 12, 2010  earthquake and a tribute to the survivors and those who contributed to the rescue efforts.  At the epicenter was 16-year old bilateral amputee, Ruthnie Constant, who survived 6 days under the  rubble.

Dr. Lauredan, vice president of the Federation, asked the audience if they  were  seeking to be  meaningfully involved.  The answer was  resounding “YES.”  Dr. Joseph Baptiste, the newly elected interim president of the Haitian Diaspora Federation, told the crowd: “The Haitian Diaspora Federation will swiftly bring your concerns and ideas to the appropriate authorities for action and report back to you, the Diaspora Leaders.”

Patrick Gaspard, the White House Political Director (of Haitian American descent) spoke of the administration’s commitment to working with the Haitian Diaspora in the reconstruction efforts. Also amongst the distinguished line up of speakers was Esther Olavarria, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who discussed how her department was working on alleviating the immigration problems of Haitians

The Haitian League also recognized Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s chief medical reporter,  for his  courage  and integrity  in  reporting;  Drs. Marlon and Jerry Bitar, of the Bernard Mews Hospital, for their resolves to save lives around the clock;  Nancy Robertson of the Grace Children Foundation, for her devotion in transporting survivors to the United States for treatment;  and  Janine Ridore for her work in the tents city and Loune Viaud of ZamiLasante (Partners in Health). The Haitian League Chairman Award was presented to  Jimmy Jean-Louis, a Haitian American philanthropist  and  actor, for his devotion to  building  a better Haiti.

The day ended with the Federation post “Thank You” dinner at the St. Regis Hotel. The Haitian League,   The Haitian Diaspora Federation   and   Monami entertainment   thank everyone for attending and contributing to the success of the events. We extend special thanks to Paul   Monteiro, from the White House Office of Public Engagement; Carlos Odio, from the White House Office of Political Affairs and   the organizing committee,   led by Diana Leon Taylor, Johnny Celestin, Mona Scott Young and Wilby Louis.