2017-Franco American Day
AUGUSTA —Rep.
John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, and Sen. Susan Deschambault, D-Biddeford,
co-chairs of the Legislature’s Franco-American Caucus, announced Tuesday
that the 16th Annual Franco-American Day will be held at the State Capitol
in Augusta on Wednesday, April 19th.
“Maine was built by
Franco-Americans and it gives me great pride to celebrate that history,”
said Rep. Martin. “As co-chair of the Franco-American Caucus, I look
forward to collectively honoring the culture and tradition that continue
to shape our state.”
“French is my first language, and my
family’s history is the history of Franco-Americans in Maine,” said
Sen. Deschambault. “My grandparents started a successful laundry
business in Biddeford, where they served the millworkers and others who
came to Maine to build a life for their families. That businesses endured
for generations, just like our pride in our heritage has endured. I’m
thrilled to honor my family and the thousands of Franco-American families
like mine on Wednesday.”
Maine’s celebration will include
the Presentation of Colors by the Franco-American Veterans and
presentations by dignitaries including a representative of David Alward,
Consulate General in Boston, Canada; Valery Freland, Consulate General in
Boston, France and Marie-Claude Francoeur, Quebec Delegate in
Boston.
Representatives of Maine’s congressional delegation
will also be attendance.
A press conference including Gov.
Paul LePage, will be held at 11:45a.m. to announce the nominees to the
Franco-American Hall of Fame and recognize visiting
dignitaries.
A variety of musical groups from around Maine
will be performing French Canadian and Franco-American music throughout
the morning in the Hall of Flags and Rachel Boucher Ellis, of Augusta,
will be performing the national anthems of America, Canada, and France in
both the Senate and House chambers.
Lastly, the Cross
Cafeteria in the neighboring Cross Office Building will be serving a
Franco-American menu and there will be displays from Franco-American
organizations throughout the state in the Hall of Flags.
A
full agenda will be available to press the morning of Wednesday, April 19,
2017.