President Obama and US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton offered congratulatory words to Haiti as that country prepares to celebrate its 206th Anniversary of independence on January 1, 2010.
In a brief statement Clinton paid tribute to the many “heroes who founded the first independent black republic”, noting that countless men and women, besides Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Alexandre Petion, had changed “the face of our world” through their accomplishments.
The contributions of Haitian-Americans to the culture and properity of the United States and the bonds of friendship between the two countries were also recognized.
Clinton pledged the United States commitment to Haiti in the upcoming period, noting that, “we remain committed to being a partner and a friend”.
