HAES CELEBRATES USA 4TH OF JULY INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH A HAITIAN FLAVOR
By Noe Dorestant, E.E.
Many years ago, we, the HAES board of directors had selected the 4th of July to be the day for our annual picnic. The purpose was and still is to celebrate the independence day of the USA, the beloved adopted country of residence for immigrants without a doubt from all over the world, including Haitians who have in the past and continue to contribute and participate in the making and the building of this country. We also had chosen this day to honor the spirit of the 1,500 affranchis(mulatoes and free black soldiers of the then French colony of Saint Domingue, known today as the free Republic of Haiti since 1804, when his citizens claimed its independence from France) volunteers who had fought in the US war of independence at the battle of Savannah (Georgia 1774) under the command of the French General Lafayette (These 1,500 affranchis volunteers of Saint Domingue were brought over by French Admiral D'Estaing(former Governor of Saint Domingue) to help General George Washington, while he was about to loose the revolt/war for independence against the British).
The Picnic took place at the scenic Hollywood North Beach Park, one of the most beautiful Beach Park in all of Florida, bordered by the crystal clear blue and warm Atlantic Ocean on the east and the clear silver mixed water way of the intercoastal on the west.
The day began with the unveiling of the new HAES banner, which had been redesigned by a team of HAES members led by Noe Dorestant. It was our way of saying symbolically that: we also are grateful for being here, for independence, liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness, and that we are committed to participate and to help ensure by our token participation that this day is for all residents of this land to reflect and enjoy the hard price of freedom that so many have already paid for with their own blood and will, including our Haitian ancestors.
For a few of us it was also a day of hard work to make sure that all goes according to plan. After unloading from two overloaded small cars: the Haitian prepared traditional rice and beans foods and all the gadgets and accessories. We begun by lighting the charcoal stove, in which we later barbecued the Creole seasoned chickens and roast the corn (mais boucanin), the hamburgers and the hot dogs.
HAES's 1998 Chairman Noe Dorestant and Vice Chairman Romain Preal keeping watch on fresh corns and barbecues.
After setting up the TV to make sure that all could watch world cup 98 soccer in France, which had two games programmed for that day. No one could escape the excitement of the game Germany Vs Croatia, where Croatia surprisingly defeated defending World Cup Champion Germany by a score of 3-0 in what must have been one of the greatest upset in World Cup 98 quater-finals soccer/football history.
Besides a few HAES members that participated to make this day a success, we could not have it done without the help of some non HAES members and friends of HAES, such as the members of HANA (Haitian American Nurses association), the relative of the HAES Vice Chairman, who came all the way from Georgia and stood by him the whole day in the sun to help him barbecue.
Each picnic attendee upon registration was offered sweet refrigerated mangos that were hand picked by the Chairman in its backyard for the occasion. We had traditional game that Haitians play in their past time such as: domino, cards, checkers and tic-tac-toe.
We had Haitian music tape and video and plenty for the kids to enjoy on the playground that was conveniently located next to the pavilion. Everyone was free to be together or to wonder around, some went swimming while others played soccer on adjacent field.
Long after sunset we enjoyed the peaceful and naturalistic surrounding at the beat of Haitian roots music, compa, calypso, zouk and folk songs. As some departed, many remain behind, as some move over to the east on the beach to wait for the fireworks to start. The Chairman and the Vice Chairman stayed behind with some members of HANA to clean up the pavilion and packed the cars while we reflect on the beautiful turn out of over 60 paid participants. We felt gratified in part that we had accomplished our task for this day without anybody getting hurt, except a small encounter of the third kind with a Portuguese man of war jellyfish, "which had decided to reward me for my good deed with a sting" as was jokingly stated by one American friend. Luckily some good samaritans were there, and while I seek for help, I was quickly directed to the life guard who quickly sprayed the area that was stung with vinegar. Believe or not the vinegar "meat tenderizer" neutralized the sting. It was another small and unwelcomed minimal inconvenience of short ill filling in this otherwise beautiful day,where we of the HAES picnic committee had decided to make everyone welcome and happy for having participated at the USA independence day celebration.
The evening ended on the beach with the beautiful fireworks display provided by the city of Hollywood, which had a barge safely setup mile away at sea to create a magnificent display in the dark canvas of this mildly warm Florida tropical night. Our eyes were also enchanted by the sight of far away fireworks displays in adjacent cities of Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach and others. We could not have asked for more.
A few minutes after the fireworks we had the picnic raffle drawing on the beach in which one of the participant won a bed time Bible story book with illustration.
Needless to say that this year HAES 4th of July picnic was a pleasant and memorable event for all who attended,including yours truly.
Note: All text and pictures were provided by Chairman Noe Dorestant as a token of his civic contribution to help promote HAES, Haitians and the community in which they reside. If you copy and plan to reuse any of these pictures, PS give credit to the originator. All rights reserved 1998. Web page written and designed by Noe Dorestant.
