Today the french mark the anniversary of a violent uprising by a grass roots organization, the storming of an infamous prison (and subsequent release of inmate Marquis de Sade); the start of the French Revolution of 1780. It is similar to the 4th of July in America in many ways, there are fireworks (feu d'artifice), picnics, and parades. Families and friends gather until late in the night, drinking beer and having a few laughs. There are free open air concerts, and a military air show complete with paratroopers who glide gracefully over the Champs Elysées to land at the feet of Carla Bruni, presenting her on bended knee with a red rose. I began this years celebration with dinner in the garden followed by a spectacular fireworks exhibition viewed from my front window. It is customary in the banlieus (suburbs) of Paris to have fireworks on the 13th, and we counted 8 displays taking place at once! It was balmy and clear, with a delicious breeze that made the evening perfect. As we ate apricot crumble and waited for the show to begin, Madame V explained how historically France has seen the United States as a model. Having fought alongside colonists for independance from British rule, french veterans of the American Revolution were inspired to dream big. Paris being the undisputed cultural capital of the world at that time, Franklin and Jefferson spent much time here and brainstormed with the top minds of the day. Three bloody revolutions, two empires and a restoration later, Marianne reigns supreme and the blue-white-and-red tricolour banner of Liberté Egalité and Fraternité trumps the fleur-des-lys! For over two centuries America and France have struggled together, grown together, and shared the best of each culture. It is in this spirit I wish all my friends here a Bonne Quatorze de Juillet!
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