To: America
From:  France

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Sherry has graciously allowed me, her husband David, to write two blogs; today the 4th of July and Bastille Day, July 14.

The history of the United States and France has been intertwined for over 240 years.  Yes, at times it has been something of a "love - hate" relationship, well hopefully not "hate" but "dislike".  But isn't that the same too often in our personal relationships with family and friends?  We may have disputes with those we love the most, and maybe for a brief time we don't like them or what they have done, but that does not mean we don't still love them.

Regardless, our histories are forever bonded together going back to pre-revolutionary war days.

President George Washington, even though he never stepped foot in Paris and even though he fought against the French in the French Indian War he is still remembered and honored in France.  The statue below was dedicated in 1900 and has the following inscription:  "Gift of the women in the United States of American in memory of the brotherly help given by France to their fathers in the fight for independence".

George Washington - Near the street market where we shop for food twice a week.

Marquais de Lafayette, Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette was a hero, both in France and in the United States.  At the age of 19, Lafayette left his home country to help the American rebels in 1771.  He asked for no wages, yet took up arms against the British, and became a loyal friend to George Washington.  Honored by the American Congress, Lafayette returned to France convincing Louis XVI and his Foreign Minister to send help to the United States.  He sailed back to where he would play an important role in helping defeat the British in the Battle of Yorktown.  He became lifelong friends with America's first president, even naming his son George Washington Lafayette.  One of the large stained glass windows at The American Church in Paris (where we are members) depicts Washington and Lafayette.  Lafayette Square in Washington DC and Lafayette Louisiana are named in his honor.

Lafayette - inscription "Given by school children in the USA"

Washington and Lafayette

Benjamin Franklin, served as America's first ambassador to France.

President Thomas Jefferson, served as Minister to France from 1784 to 1789.

The French Revolution occurred just 13 years after the American Revolution.  Many men came from France to the United States to lend their strength and blood to win American freedom.  Their efforts created within the French a dream and desire for a democracy rather than a monarchy.  The American Revolution was one of the contributing factors leading up to the French Revolution, which will be celebrated with Bastille Day in just 10 days time.

Place de la République

The Republic of Texas was born in 1836 and Texas has been our home for 25 of the last 30 years.  The nation of France was the first nation to recognize the Republic of Texas.

Hotel Vendome - once the location of the Republic of Texas embassy in Paris.

The United States Embassy is about 2 miles from our Paris apartment.  For those of you who know us, you know we love movies.  One of our favorites is "Charade" from 1963 with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn.  The movie takes place primarily in Paris and includes scenes of the US embassy in Paris.  I remember walking by the embassy during my first visit to Paris in 1989.  We have walked or ridden by the embassy many times over the last four months just as we were out and about in Paris.  I can think of no better picture to end my guest 4th of July post than of the American flag flying proudly in Paris.

"Long May She Wave"!

US Embassy in Paris.  Unfortunately, this is a photo from the internet, as the guards do not allow pictures taken of the tree shrouded embassy.

Look for my other thoughts on the United States - France relationship on July 14.