Viva L'indépendance!
Today is Bastille Day, marking the day the French people began the overthrow of King Louis XVI by storming the Bastille. As Americans we should be proud of this day and celebrate our sister-country's independence day. Our two countries are more intertwined than the current political climate might suggest. It was the French who gave aid, both momentarily and militarily, in our cause of independence. More importantly, it was the French naval blockade of Chesapeake Bay by Admiral de Grasse which allowed General Washington win at the Battle of Yorktown. This American victory, one of only a handful, turned the tide in the war and led to the Treaty of Paris in 1783 recognizing the United States and ending the war. Ultimately the spark of liberty which the French help ignite, in part to hamper the British, ignited the French Revolution.
French-bashing has all but become a full-fledge sport in this country, and I am ashamed of it. Both of our countries are experiencing tremendous changes in demographics, security, and position in world politics. Both of our countries need each other for the mutual defense against those who seek to destroy independence, both foreign and domestic. It is my hope that those who think the French are pushy and stuck-up actually visit France and find a people who are full of life, joy, and wonder.
It is fitting today that a Frenchman, Richard Virenque, won the 10th Stage at the Tour de France. I was listening to the finish on the radio, and the cheers of the people drowned out the reporter's voices. Tonight, herself and I will go to Le Bonne Soupe with friends and celebrate independence. I hope you will join this celebration if independence also.
Viva France! Viva L'indépendance!
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This is the permanent home of Viva L'indépendance!. I wrote this post at 12:03 on July 14, 2004. This post is part of grubbykid.com, a weblog. If you liked this entry, why don't you read some other posts such as Sick train is coming... or "do u love me?" Spam? Or you could go to the site archives or return home. All are good choices.
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Some descriptive tags for this entry are: BastilleDay france celebration independence food tourdefrance Bastille culture.
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Some descriptive tags for this entry are: Bastille, Bastille Day, celebration, culture, food, france, independence, tourdefrance.
Mommy... what's a tag?
