By Nicole H Pierre.
What an amazing gathering it was at the Residence of the French Ambassador to The Netherlands, to celebrate France’s National day on Tuesday July 14, 2015!
Despite the grey skies, the more than 700 guests who were gathered to celebrate, and offer kind words of congratulations, were in high spirits. The invitees were warmly and personally welcomed by His Excellency Mr. Laurent Pic, who celebrated his first “14 juillet” in The Hague as French ambassador and he was also in the presence of his Legal Adviser Mme. Diara Dime-Labille.
For a photo album on France National Day 2015, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157653694767733
At 7pm, the national hymn of France – La Marseillaise – was sung by the 2010 winner of the Concours de la Chanson de l’Alliance Française, Katell Chevalier.
French nationals, and friends of France, joined in heartily to sing the anthem demonstrating a certain pride and admiration for the great republic. Very fitting indeed as the 14th of July has become a day to reflect on the core values of the French Republic: freedom, equality and fraternity… values which have been tested in recent times.
In his speech, Mr. Pic reflected on some of the challenges facing our world, and more specifically Europe. But he also reminded us about the importance of a united Europe, highlighting the ongoing collaborations between France and the Netherlands.
In keeping with this spirit, the French ambassador also spoke about the departure of Tour de France from Utrecht as well as the launching of the economic year between France and the Netherland.
In Mr. Pic’s words, “All in all I’m confident that the friendship between France and the Netherland, deeply rooted in our common history and our common values, will help us in building an even more united Europe, a safer, more peaceful and more prosperous world. And you can rely on the commitment of all of us at the French Embassy to make the Franco-Dutch relationship as vivid and as fruitful as possible.”
The evening was plagued with a very festive and convivial atmosphere. Friends mingled and toasted each other, and networking was the order of the day as guests moved from one food station to the next. Chapeau Monsieur Ambassadeur… this was successful 14 juillet celebration.
To read the Ambassador’s speech please visit the site:
http://www.ambafrance-nl.org/Fete-Nationale-a-la-Residence-de-France-1
All the photos are the copyrights of Ambassade de France aux Pays-bas.
