Battle of Vertières Day is observed in Haiti every November 18 to commemorate the victory of the Battle of Vertières, a significant conflict in the Second War of Haitian Independence in 1803. This battle marked a pivotal moment in the struggle against French colonial rule, leading to Haiti's independence and establishing it as the first black independent republic. The day was historically known as Army Day or Armed Forces Day, featuring a grand military parade as a central event. However, following the abolition of the Haitian Armed Forces in the early 1990s due to its notorious brutality, the celebrations shifted to include other public ceremonies instead of the parade. On this day, the President of Haiti delivers a solemn speech at a monument site in Port-au-Prince, and various public ceremonies are held throughout the country to honor the significance of the battle and the nation's independence.