Haiti is considered one of the impoverished countries in the world and its problems continue until this day. But despite that on Monday May 18th 2009, Haitians all over the country remember this day when they are able to wear their red and blue.
 
 This years halls were not that crowded with Haitian flags as compared to last years spirited Haitians. But it was still delightful to see that some students haven't forgotten where they're from. Haitian flag day is not Haiti's independence day. That is one of the misconceptions people think when they see haitian parades and flags on this day. Haitian independence is on January 1st. Actually Haitian flag day is a day of showing how proud Haitians are of their heritage and being the first black country to become independent. 

  The reason why May 18th was observed as Haitian flag day is because the Haitian flag was created on May 18th 1803. Since then the this day has been known as haitian flag day and has become a symbol of pride, unity and freedom.

 Even though the word "Haitian" is out of date, people still proudly proclaim that they're proud to be a "zoe" which is the new word that is used by the up and coming generation.

 "Translation of zoe is bone (in Creole) which basically means Haitian to the bone," says Stekenson Joseph a Sophomore. "Yes I consider myself a zoe, I was born there and raised there, and you can't change where you're from"

 Because of this years dress code, some students refrained from their alfits that would get them a violation, but some students still wore their red and blue and other students took the risk and wore their alfits with sayings about how they feel about their country and their pride. 

 "The definition of a zoe is someone born in Haiti and proud of Haiti," says Demetry Hyppolite a Sophomore

 In Haiti, Flag Day is celebrated greatly with many people on the grounds of the national palace and in all cities in the country. Despite that haitians continue to live by the saying that have been on the flag since 1803: "L'Union Fait La Force" (through unity there is strength).