A Bastille Day celebration was hosted at the residence of French Ambassador Philippe Étienne in Washington, D.C. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman gave remarks, highlighting the long friendship and alliance between France and the United States. World War II veterans were also recognized during the event as they became the newest members of the Legion of Honor.
Ambassador Étienne recognized the Oldest Allies friendship of our two countries, quoting Thomas Jefferson who had been living abroad for four years when political unrest was growing in France. Both Étienne and Jefferson noted the bond between America and its Revolutionary War ally: “the nation has been awaked by our revolution, they feel their strength, they are enlightened, their lights are spreading, and they will not retrograde.”
Bonne fête nationale!
