FOWPAL Celebrates Haitian Flag Day in Brooklyn, New York
Individuals in 119 Nations Endorse the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity
A powerful message of peace, conscience, and integrity resonated across Brooklyn as the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), led by its president Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, joined the celebration of the 222nd anniversary of the Haitian Flag at the Goshen Temple SDA Event Hall in Brooklyn, New York on May 18, 2025. Hosted by Society in Action, the event brought together international dignitaries, local leaders, and peace advocates to honor Haiti’s rich cultural legacy and promote universal values critical to building a sustainable future.
The celebration was co-emceed by Dr. Hugues Sanon, Special Envoy to the United Nations for COJEP International, and Sherly Debrosse-Boisrond, President of Society in Action. Among the distinguished attendees were H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe; Dr. Bernard Fialkoff, President of A Time for Truth Foundation; Ali Gedikoglu, President of COJEP International; and other influential leaders dedicated to promoting global peace. Each took the stage to offer congratulations and heartfelt wishes to the people of Haiti.
In his address, Dr. Hong emphasized the deep symbolism of national flags, calling them powerful representations of a country’s unity, history, and cultural values. “A nation draws strength from this unity,” he stated. “The world functions in much the same way—through the harmonious coexistence and mutual cooperation of global citizens, we can collectively create a peaceful and sustainable future.”
He concluded with a compelling appeal: “May conscience guide us all, resolving conflicts with love and sustaining peace and the very survival of humanity! May the light of hope shine, fostering transparency and integrity and upholding justice and righteousness!”
Following his remarks, FOWPAL hosted the Bell of World Peace and Love ceremony, during which Dr. Hong rang the bell nine times to bless Haiti and the world with peace and goodwill. He declared the meaning of the bell ringing: “Doomsday warning sounds. Let conscience guide hope and swift action. For love, we brave thorns and storms, riding the wind, breaking the waves. United in heart, we stand without fear. Together, we work and pray for peace.” This solemn moment served as a call to awaken conscience and take united action in addressing global challenges.
As part of FOWPAL’s ongoing mission to inspire moral leadership, Dr. Hong presented the symbolic Compass Clock of Conscience to four influential leaders: Sherly Debrosse-Boisrond, president of Society in Action; Hans Garry Dorlean, founder and honorary president of Society in Action; Joseph Makhandal Champagne, Jr.; and youth leader Mirielle Torchon-Dessarmé. The clock serves as a reminder of the importance of acting with conscience and clarity in both direction and purpose.
The event was rich in cultural expression, honoring Haiti’s vibrant heritage. Haitian descendants of various ages performed traditional and modern music and dance, sharing the rhythms and spirit of their homeland. Many of them were youth and children, displaying the vitality and creativity of the Haitian community. Their performances filled the venue with joyful energy.
FOWPAL members, dressed as angels, performed “Children from Heaven,” encouraging everyone to illuminate their inner lights and bless the world with love. Their exuberant performance of “Happiness Is Everywhere” invited the audience to dance together in joyful unity. The celebration concluded with a powerful group performance of “We Are the World,” led by Sherly Debrosse-Boisrond, reinforcing the themes of compassion, unity, and collective responsibility.
In addition to the speeches and performances, there were booths featuring Haitian culture and cuisine. FOWPAL members also hosted a booth and invited attendees to sign the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity. To date, individuals from 119 nations have endorsed it, affirming their commitment to openness, accountability, and ethical leadership.
Dr. Hong has led FOWPAL on visits to 114 nations, promoting conscience, hope, transparency, integrity, and peace. He initiated both the International Day of Conscience and the International Day of Peace. In recognition of his far-reaching contributions, Dr. Hong received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from U.S. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke and a Proclamation from New York State Senator Kevin S. Parker, who praised him as a visionary leader whose exemplary service inspires admiration and action across communities and generations. Dr. Bernard Fialkoff, president of A Time for Truth Foundation, also honored Dr. Hong with a special pin designed by Maria Lozada Fialkoff, the foundation’s co-founder.
Sherly Debrosse-Boisrond, President of Society in Action, expressed her appreciation to FOWPAL, saying, “We are so honored to have FOWPAL, Dr. Hong, with his whole team to come and celebrate with us.” She added, “I'm happy that we can all come together to talk about peace.” She also thanked FOWPAL for their amazing performance, noting that it made the day “an extra, extra special day!”
Nahauah Champagne, a student, shared her thoughts on participating in the event: “It was so beautiful—we got to see performances from these dancers and also the ring-the-bell ceremony, and it was all beautiful to see. It was good to see so much support for Haitian Flag Day.” She added, “I really liked to see the unity in the dancing and the energy that everybody had!”
A Glimpse into Haiti’s History and the Flag’s Significance
Haiti holds a unique place in world history as the first independent Black republic. After a successful slave revolt—the only one in history to lead to the founding of a nation—Haiti declared its independence from France in 1804. Haitian Flag Day, celebrated annually on May 18, commemorates the flag’s creation in 1803. Featuring blue and red horizontal bands with a central coat of arms, the flag symbolizes unity, resistance, and the enduring strength of the Haitian people. It remains a powerful emblem of their fight for freedom and dignity.
By participating in the Haitian Flag Day celebration, FOWPAL reaffirmed its commitment to spreading the values of conscience, peace, and love. The event united people from diverse backgrounds in a shared vision of a more just, compassionate, and harmonious world.
