A symbol of freedom
© VStock LLC

Crossing Cultures in Celebration of Independence Day

It’s July. Our thoughts are drifting to . . . beaches, heat-quenching thunderstorms, easy summer reading, lazy days, and, oh yes . . . freedom.

Independence is in the air. Especially for an American living in France. (C’est moi.)

America and France cross cultures in celebration of independence at the
American Embassy Residence in Paris.
© Meredith Mullins

I feel fortunate to divide my time between two countries that celebrate their freedoms. It’s rewarding to walk down both paths of history. And it’s gratifying to have two occasions to party in the name of pride and patriotism—July 4th and July 14th.

New York’s Statue of Liberty, a gift from France
© Stockbyte

France and the U.S.—Longtime Allies

America and France have much in common.

In the flag world, America’s red, white, and blue mirrors the tricolors of France’s blue, white, and red. Shared Statues of Liberty declare friendship among nations and freedom from oppression.

France’s Statue of Liberty standing proud on an island in the Seine
© Meredith Mullins

Both countries mounted successful revolutions against monarchy and aristocracy, with several key leaders (Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, the Marquis de Lafayette) successfully crossing cultures and supporting the efforts of the other nation.

And both countries are dedicated to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Equality for all. Liberté, egalité, fraternité.

Sometimes these principles are difficult to implement, but they are emblazoned on documents and monuments so that we won’t forget.

So how should we celebrate these treasures? Especially in a world where freedom is currently a critical issue for so many countries.

Celebrating the 4th of July
© iStock/SaraPlacey

The 4th of July: Independence Day

In France, much of the American expat community pauses on or around July 4th to pay tribute to the seeds of their democracy—commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

The 4th of July picnic: Stars, stripes, and burgers.
© iStock/bhofact2

As America celebrates with parades, picnics, and fireworks, we in France rustle up a feeling of America. We seek out hot dogs and hamburgers. We abandon our croissants and espresso and have a morning meal at Breakfast in America, a restaurant that brings us the familiar American taste of eggs, bacon, and pancakes.

We visit American bars in Paris, such as Harry’s New York Bar made famous with its invention of the Bloody Mary and its hosting of the hard drinking Ernest Hemmingway.

A real American hot dog at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris (that’s pickle relish in the glass, not a newfangled Harry’s cocktail.)
© Meredith Mullins

We organize backyard BBQs, or we hope for an invitation to the elegant party at the American Embassy and Residence (this year also celebrating the centennial of the U.S. entry into WWI.)

The American Embassy 4th of July party also commemorated the centennial of
the U.S. entry into WWI.
© Meredith Mullins

Stars and stripes abound, and the national anthem plays (and still grabs at the heart even when your home country is thousands of miles away).

There is also a ceremony at the Picpus Cemetery in Paris at the grave of Lafayette to honor his important role in Franco-American history.

Lafayette not only fought in the American Revolution, but also secured full French support for the cause. He later worked with Thomas Jefferson to establish trade agreements between the two countries.

When the U.S. entered World War I to support the French, an American flag was placed at Lafayette’s grave and an aide declared, “Lafayette, we are here! Nous voilà.”

A tribute to Lafayette in Washington D.C.
© iStock/bpperry

The 14th of July: Fête Nationale/Bastille Day

The 14th of July goes by many names in France—La Fête Nationale, Quatorze Juillet, and Bastille Day.

Originally called Fête de la Féderation, this day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 marking the beginning of the Revolution.

The day also pays tribute to the official Declaration of Independence (in 1790), with its ideal that we are “born free and remain free and equal in rights.”

Bastille Day begins with tricolor glory.
© Meredith Mullins

The day of celebration begins with a roar and a rattling of roofs. Jets from the French Air Force fly in formation down the Seine, leaving a trail of tricolor patriotism.

They are followed by an air show of military planes, giving us a lesson in history and a cogent reminder of the pervasiveness of war.

The Bastille Day military parade down the Champs Elysées.
© Meredith Mullins

A parade down the Champs Élysées follows, with all branches of the military marching in synchronized step, followed by vehicles of military might and the majestic horses of the Republican Guard (Garde républicaine).

The Garde républicaine
© Meredith Mullins

The celebration continues at night around the Eiffel Tower, with a concert and an extensive, dramatically designed fireworks show (with this year’s theme of the Olympics), as the tower becomes an ever-changing part of the fiery and magical artistry.

Then, hundreds of thousands of people flood the streets, thinking not only of the meaning of freedom, but also of how to get home safely amidst the hordes.

The grand finale at the Eiffel Tower on Bastille Day
© Meredith Mullins

The Future of Crossing Cultures

This year, a further step in crossing cultures is in progress, as newly elected President Macron invited President Trump for the festivities on 14 July. We hope for the best from this rendez-vous. There will, no doubt, be many “Oh, I See” moments.

My only wish is for an honest discussion of the real meaning of freedom and how to ensure equality for all.

We hold these truths to be self evident.

And I, for one, want to still feel that lump in my throat when the national anthem plays.

Keeping friends and allies close
© Meredith Mullins

Happy Independence Day!
(French wine wrapped in stars and stripes)
© Meredith Mullins

Thank you to the American Embassy in Paris for an invitation to the Fourth of July celebration, to Harry’s New York Bar for the great hot dog, and to Breakfast in America for a real American treat of eggs, bacon, and pancakes.

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