Hey blogger friends,
As you know I have become a special American friend to the French Coalition Group here on MacDill Air Force Base.
As a result of my close friendship with my French Officer Friend (Marco or Jean’-Marc as his wife calls him) I have received a special invitation to The Bastille Day Celebration that will be held on July 10th. (Actual Bastille Day is July 14th, but this event had to occur a few days earlier as the French Commanding General will be involved in Bastille Activities in Paris with the French President along with other senior French Officers).
The initial invite list had over 480 people that the French Coalition wanted to invite, but due to size and budgetary constraints the invite list had to be reduced to 200 max.
I made the cut and will be one of only very few Americans in attendance along with the Commanding 4 star General of Central Command (Centcom) and the Commanding General of the Southern Command (Centcom) and well as all the high ranking officers from all other countries within the Coalition Village.
Also in attendance with be high level dignataries from the French Embassy as well as other select politicians from within Florida, to include the Mayor of Tampa, Florida State Senators and Congressmen.
I am very much looking forward to attending this event and feel honored to be an American Friend to the French military!
Brigadier General (FR-A) Germain Barrau, Senior French Officer at US Central Command
and
The entire French Military Liaison Element in Tampa
Request the pleasure of your company
To celebrate the “Bastille Day”on 10 July 2019 (6:00 – 9:00PM)
At the Tampa Woman’s Club, 2901 Bayshore Blvd
Welcome address will start at 6:30PM
Followed by the Legion of Honor ceremony, recognizing WWII Veteran
Mr. Joseph Gallagher for his invaluable contribution to the Liberation of France
Ended by a standing French Buffet
Bastille Day is the common name given in English-speaking countries to the national day of France, which is celebrated on 14 July each year.
The French National Day is the anniversary of Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, a turning point of the French Revolution, as well as the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790.
The French national holiday of Bastille Day—celebrated each year on July 14, or le quatorze juillet—may spell fireworks and and a large military parade for some, but for most, it still marks the anniversary of the storming of a grand fortress that was infamous for holding political prisoners, during the first moments .
Congratulations – but, given your propensity for mishaps, your title was potentially misleading 🙂
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LoL
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Of course you did!!!! 👍😉☺️❤️
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Thanks Jodi. I feel honored to be included as a special American friend of the French Coalition.
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That is a special treat! Good for you.
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Thanks. Looking forward to it!
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Wow – what an honor! Congratulations, Gary!
P.S. Will you still talk to us simple people after rubbing elbows with all those dignitaries?
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Thanks Dolly. Really looking forward to the event!
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P.S. sure I’ll still talk to you!
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Enjoy! I am looking forward to your photos and report / post.
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