Le Flambeau Foundation Inc. – December 10, 2013
Dr. Luc L. Colas, MD, Esq., a founding father of the Le Flambeau Foundation , penned this reflection in 1998. Inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (published in 1948), he sought to connect its profound message to the spirit of the holiday season and the coming year. Originally written in French, the text was subsequently translated into English with Dr. Colas’ approval.
Fifty years, (December 10, 1948), Palais Chaillot, Paris), after this famous Declaration of Human Rights, following the Senator Emile Saint-Lôt, which…
The powerful verb still echoes to our ears, and we are wondering, and we are searching, our way along, in our darkness, this universality–and we have doubts.
What else can we do, when terrified and stunned, we see some co-signatories of this famous universal declaration, to deliberately ride roughshod over the philosophy of this declaration?
Human Rights, Rights for the self-determination, Rights to interfere, Respect of cultures that are specific to their People — achievement of a climate that is unique in this world, of nations that are united with mutual respect and trust.
How can the protectors of Rights change themselves into transgressors for the same rights? To paraphrase the other, “if shepherds of the herd, you would become the wolves, then and only then — it will be time for the generations to come, the posterity, to ask us for an explanation.” But new circumstances, a new perspective, new interests — and all transcendent truths seem to fade in the universal consciousness.
Brethren: Americans, Haitians
All expatriate people, all observers living in our country — following Senator Emile Saint-Lot, following all visionary people, co-signatories of the Declaration of Human Rights — in this climate of festivities around Christmas and the New Year, could we all continue to proclaim, far from the exhilaration, could we all create a single beam with all the people in the universe, with all the oppressed — without any distinction of power, color, wealth, origins, could we all stick together and help us by giving means of support, by re-immersing us in the cradle of the Messiah, this, in a single universal declaration of faith — therefore laying down the bases for a true Christmas and a productive Year 1999!!!
At the end of this “End of the Year Message”, we feel the need to take our hats off, in front of this scaffolding put together with difficulty and patience, this vast compromise that represents the largest effort attempted in common by humanity to give ourselves some new legal and moral foundations based on true Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, that was, in spirit of its imperfections, a promise for the humiliated and offended people on earth…” (deadlock of the Declaration of Human Rights, Emile Saint-Lot).
At this crossroads, it will never be too early, nor too late, for proclaiming beyond the oceans, beyond the distinctive identity, beyond the cultures, as in the good old days, our attachment for this little corner of land where life was good, and we are saying to all of you expatriate compatriots, brethren, and all inhabitants of this continent, without ignoring the people of Asia, Europe, Oceania, and Christian faith, this common but so expressive expression:
Merry — ChristmasA Messiah is born onto us.
Peace on earth to men of good will. Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Glory to the Highest in Heavens!
Hallelujah!!! Have a happy and very fruitful
New Year!! Dr. Luc L. Colas, MD, Esq. (February 24, 1921 – November 3, 2009) – Cap-Haïtien, Haiti
To read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (in English) (French) (in Kreyol).
The spirits of Dr. Luc L. Colas, along with that of partner founding father Senator Emile Saint-Lôt, continue to drive the Le Flambeau Foundation ’s mission. Their shared vision of a prosperous and equitable Haiti endures, inspiring us to empower young Haitians to reach their full potential and contribute to the development of Haiti. Their legacy will continue to guide the Foundation’s work for generations to come.
______________________ ### How to Get Involved There are a number of ways to get involved with the Le Flambeau Foundation . As a supporter, you can donate to the foundation, volunteer your time, or become a mentor to a young person in Haiti. Feel free to contact us by clicking here.