LIBERTY, EQUALITY AND FRATERNITY – FRENCH NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATED IN MONACO

On Sunday, July 14th Mr Hugues Moret, Ambassador of France in Monaco and his wife and children hosted a reception at the Horizon at the Fairmont Hotel to celebrate France’s National Day. HRH Princess Stephanie was the guest of honour representing the Palace, and among the many dignitaries present were HE Michel Roger, Paul Masseron,  Jose Badia, Jean Castellini, Stephan Valerie, as well as many other important personalities from Monaco.

Ambassador Moret gave an emotional speech to commemorate the occasion, flanked by members of the French Foreign Legion on one side and the Prince’s Company of Carabineers on the other. After concluding his presentation the Ambassador and guests sang both the La Marseillaise and the Monegasque anthem, followed by a magnificent musical performance by the soprano Delia Noble.

France National Day is better known as “Bastille Day” as the date is the same as that of the assault of the fortification on July 14, 1789. The Bastille was a medieval prison in Paris associated with the tough rule of the Bourbon monarchy in the 18th century. It became a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation and the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy that preceded the First Republic during the French Revolution. Like their flag, it symbolized the Republic’s three ideals: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity for all French citizens. It was two years later on July 14, 1790 that he consecration of the unity of France took place during the Fete de la Federacion on the Champ de Mars that was outside Paris, and was recalled as the Wheelbarrow Day. It marked the birth of a sovereign Nation, and eventually the creation of the First Republic, in 1792. The Marseillaise was also written that year, and was declared the French national anthem in 1795. It is also a celebration of French culture including parades, musical performances, Balls and spectacular fireworks displays. The oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe that goes back to 1880, is held on the morning of July 14 on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris in front of the President of the Republic, French officials and foreign guests. This year it concluded with a televised interview at the Elysee of President Francois Hollande by Claire Chazal and Laurent Delahousse to discuss the situation of the country, recent events and projects for the future.  The President brought back the traditional interview that his predecessor Sarkozy chose not to give.

Photos by: Celina Lafuente de Lavotha

Top: Ambassador Hugues Moret making his speech to commemorate July 14 flanked by members of the Foreign Legion and the Prince’s company of Carabineers

Bottom: Soprano Delia Noble