What if Loir-et-Cher was one of the forgotten cradles of Franco-American friendship?
On the 30th and 31st of May, the Royal Château de Blois will take on the appearance of a capital
American city. On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, the national congress of the France-United States Association will be held there for two days of conferences, meetings, and historical memory. A symbolic event
in a territory that claims an ancient connection to American history.
“For this America 250 year, we are extremely happy to host this
national congress in Blois,” said Jérôme Danard, national president of the France-United States Association and the Loir-et-Cher branch. Loir-et-Cher made a
significant contribution during the American War of Independence. “
“Loir-et-Cher is Franco-American to 100%”
Because behind the commemorations, the department intends to recall its role in
American history. “Loir-et-Cher is Franco-American to 100%,” insists Jérôme Danard. According to him, it’s difficult not to mention American independence without talking about Marshal Rochambeau, commander of the French expeditionary force sent by Louis XVI to support the American insurgents, whose headquarters are located in Thoré-la-Rochette.
Another essential figure: Jacques-Donatien Leray de Chaumont, owner of the Chaumont-sur-Loire castle and a close friend of Benjamin Franklin. “Thanks to him, there was extremely important support for Washington’s army,” recalls the association’s president.
“A sincere and genuine friendship between our two countries”
“Franco-American friendship does not only pass through governments, which are temporary. It primarily involves the people,” emphasizes Jérôme Danard.
In a tense international context, attacks by Donald Trump on Europe, tensions around NATO, debates on European strategic autonomy, celebrating the United States might seem delicate.
But for Jérôme Danard, Franco-American relations go beyond political changes. “Like in any couple, there are sometimes tensions.
But they are just passing moments,” he says. This friendship is not fragile, because it is sincere and genuine between our two countries.”
Conferences, Comics, and Walks
Labeled “Freedom 250” by the American Embassy, the congress will be punctuated by several highlights. Auctioneer Philippe Rouillac will offer a conference entitled “From the banks of the Loire to the birth of the United States”, through rare books, historical objects, and some surprises from the 18th century. General Vincent de Kytspotter will then review “250 years of bilateral military relations between France and the United States”. Finally, U.S. specialist and LCI editorialist Elizabeth Sheppard-Sellam will analyze “The beginning of the Trump era in American history”.
The congress will also host a book and comic strip fair dedicated to Franco-American relations. Illustrators Etienne Le Roux and Marc Chevallier will present their trilogy “Liberty”, published by Delcourt.
On Sunday morning, the congress participants will take a walk in Blois around the theme of the Franco-American city, with a stop at the prefecture.
“In the grand salon, there is a rather surprising painting…,” hints Jérôme Danard, without saying more.
Blois at American Time
A few days before the event, registrations continue to pour in. French, expatriate Americans, dual nationals, history enthusiasts, or lovers of American culture are expected in Blois. “We will have a nice representation of all the people who contribute, in one way or another, to the Franco-American relationship,” emphasizes Jérôme Danard.
He admits to experiencing this history as a passion since adolescence.
“I was in admiration of American culture, but especially of Franco-American history,” he says. Two and a half centuries after the birth of the United States, Blois intends to remind that part of this history was also written on the banks of the Loire.
