Haitian soldiers who made up the largest contingent in the bloodiest battle of the American Revolution finally got a monument in their honor.
In 1779, more than 500 free Haitian blacks volunteered to join U.S. and French forces in an unsuccessful attempt to rid Savannah of British troops. Over 800 allied soldiers died in the battle.
On Monday, on a leafy square in downtown Savannah, political leaders from the U.S. and Haiti unveiled a bronze statue depicting four Haitian soldiers. Jaques LaRoche was one of many spectators who came from a Haitian-rich enclave in Florida to witness the dedication.
"It's the first time for me in history to have a country to recognize us almost more than 2-hundred years-ago for what we did," LaRoche said.
The monument is just one tribute area leaders hope will spur tourism tied to the Battle of Savannah. This week, the city also will dedicate a $14 million Battlefield Park at the site of the fighting.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Savannah dedicates Haitian monument
