November in Haiti is a month of remembrance. Two dates invite us to honor those who came before us: the faithful on November 1 and the heroes of freedom on November 18.
All Saints’ Day: Honoring the Faithful
All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday that honors all saints and martyrs, whether their names are known or not. Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican churches celebrate it every year on November 1, while the Eastern Orthodox Church observes it on the first Sunday after Pentecost.
The tradition dates back to the 4th century, when Greek Christians began paying tribute to all martyrs. In 609 AD, Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome to the Virgin Mary and all martyrs, with the feast held on May 13. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved it to November 1 after dedicating a chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica to all the saints, and Pope Gregory IV later extended the date to the entire church. Some historians believe the November date also helped replace Samhain, an ancient Celtic harvest festival marking the start of winter.
In Haiti, All Saints’ Day is a time for families to attend Mass, visit cemeteries and honor loved ones who have passed on.
Vertières: The Victory That Taught Haiti to Rise
On November 18, 1803, near Cap-Français in northern Haiti, an army of formerly enslaved men and women led by General Jean-Jacques Dessalines defeated Napoleon’s troops at the Battle of Vertières. It was the last major battle of the Haitian Revolution. On January 1, 1804, Haiti declared independence, becoming the first free Black republic in the world.
One of that day’s heroes, François Capois, known as “Capois-La-Mort,” kept charging forward even after his horse was shot from under him. His courage still stands as a symbol of the Haitian spirit.
Why Our Students Still Rise
At EML school, these lessons are alive in the classroom. Our students face challenges many cannot imagine, yet they come to class ready to learn and ready to rise. Freedom was won in 1803; today, it grows through education. Thanks to our mission, and all those who believe in our work, we are here to help them continue to rise.
This November, we honor the saints and heroes who came before us, and the young heroes of today. Thank you for standing with them.
As Vertières Day is being celebrated this November, we honor the heroes of 1803 and the young heroes of today. Thank you for standing with them. Together, we are helping a new generation of Haitians rise so they can become contributing members of society.
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