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Mutual heroes – Lafayette & Founding Fathers...

viewed from the French side of the Pond
    • New Franklins and Jeffersons

       

      Americans grow up wth the portrait of George Washington in every classroom – and memories of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at top speed. This leads to viewing the Founding Fathers with respect. But yawns.

       

      Yet Benjamin Franklin (who negotiated France's alliance with the insurgents in 1778) stupefied the court at Versailles with unpowdered hair and a plain brown suit. He remains the epitome of the unassuming, intelligent and democratic American that the French have appreciated ever since.  Jefferson, the first American ambassador to Paris (1785-89), was admired a as well.

       

      An account of Franklin's and Jefferson's stays in Paris humanizes them. We show the start of a friendship and a major aspect of how the United States began.

       

       

       

      • Lafayette and the French Revolution – his story at his grave

       

      Descendants of nobles who perished on the guillotine have the right to burial at the Picpus cemetery in eastern Paris. Lafayette, whose family survived, qualified through his wife, whose grave is next to his.

       

       

       

       

       

      Carnavalet Museum exhibit, Paris 2008
      Stereotype
      The American flag has never been removed, not even during the Occupation.

      Thus even in death, the United States' only foreign hero links the two great 18th-century revolutions, in both of which he played a major role. His grave is the site to tell that story.

       

       

      • Comment: the French press gave exceptional coverage to the American mayors' delegation that came to Paris to pay him hommage (in December 2007)

       

       

      "Le Monde", Dec. 5, 2007: Colored photos are exceptional for this influential and relatively austere daily. The title recalls General Pershing's 1917 declaration, "Lafayette, nous voilà."

       

       

       

      • Costs: Please CLICK.

       

      ° The Picpus cemetery asks a modest entrance fee.  

       

      ° This walk requires taking the métro several times. We exceptionally suggest reserving a taxi. . 

      • Unique possibility

       

      Count Gilbert de Pusy La Fayette is Head of the Marquis's family and PEF's Honorary Président. For very motivated groups or individuals, he may tell us his ancestor's story himself.

       

       

       

      Credits: Exhibit photo / Fay Hart; other photos/ Claude Abron

      •Two centuries of exchange

      •Disaster & fraternity

      •Cultures wed

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