BURLINGTON...INTERNATIONAL FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Michel LAMARRE’s proclamation

Mayor of Honfleur Sister City (France)

On the International French Flag Raising ceremony of March 23rd 2015

First of all, I feel honoured, as a citizen of Honfleur and as a Mayor, knowing that the Honfleur flag will be displayed, as some other international flags, with respect to the International French Flag Raising ceremony in Burlington.

I would like to thank the whole members and especially, Victoria BRASSART-JONES, Chair of the Alliance Française of Lake Champlain, Lise VERONNEAU and Ernest POMERLEAU, for initiating such a ceremony.

I am aware of the whole actions they carry out all year through, with the French Consulate in Boston, to promote French language and to strengthen the links between our two countries and sister cities.

In such a particular day, I am thinking of our Samuel de Champlain, both French and a citizen of Honfleur, a founder of New France and an explorer of the great lakes of the States of Vermont and New York; he would be thrilled at hearing how friendhip between our two sister cities and countries has developed.

I am proud of carrying on such an action aimed at building upon a frienship and understanding between the citizens of both countries, thanks to you all and to the Honfleur Sister City committee.

I am aware that the people of Honfleur will feel concerned when hearing that our flag will be displayed during such a stirring ceremony.