So I am American, but I am also French. I say that I am French because I live in South Louisiana and my name proves that I am. The culture that has reared me is not unlike the culture that is found in the bustling city of Paris and the exquisite countryside of Languedoc. The French heritage that dwells within me is diverse and every bit as authentic as it should be. So I am happy to take a moment to recognize and remember a very important French National Holiday.
July 14
Bastille Day is the commemoration of the storming of the Bastille on July 14th of 1789. This day was the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a prison structure that was filled with ammunition and used to hold prisoners who had spoken objectively of the French government. The attack was in an effort to keep the people's representatives safe from the royal army as they worked to create an unified constitution. The people of France stormed the building and in doing so, showed that they would take the power over their government. It was now the People's turn to govern themselves.
That is just a short little bit about the history of the day. If you want to learn more check out
this article on about.com.
The Celebrations
To celebrate the day, the French hold a national parade that travels down the Champs-Elysee from the Arch de Triomphe to the Palace de la Concorde. Its is not only a French celebration as many places in America are also celebrating the day including French populated New Orleans. My current city of Lafayette La, held a small event on the 13th.
I will be celebrating a little later today in honor of my Ancestors who were alive and fighting during the French revolution, but also to all the French citizens who love their country and wanted the freedom criticize and change it for the better.
Vive La France et Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité!
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