Franco-American Day at the State House

Wednesday was the seventh annual Franco-American Day at the State House, a day to celebrate French heritage in Maine during the International Francophone Week.

State Sen. Lisa Marrache, D-Waterville, was in charge of the show.

Marrache is 100 percent Franco. Her parents were the first generation of her family born in the United States. Her mom is from the Beauce region of Quebec, her dad was from the Gaspѐ region of Quebec.

“We’ve always been told we were Franco,” Marrache said. “My family is very proud of our Franco heritage.”

A former president of the Franco-Heritage Center in the Kennebec Valley, she stepped in to chair the Franco caucus in the Legislature, a group of 15 to 20 legislators with Franco roots.

“We have to try to remind everybody that we’re a very diverse state, and the French community is very big,” she said.

The primary mission for caucus members is the plan the annual Franco-American Day at the State House, which was held Wednesday. They plan guest speakers and programs, and most importantly pick the nominee to the Maine Franco Hall of Fame – one from Northern Maine, one from Central Maine and one from Southern Maine.

Inductees this year are author and historian Julie Daigle Albert of Madawaska, museum director Rachel Desgrosseilliers of Minot and promoters of French culture Perley and Alice LaChance of Waterville.

Also, a posthumous award was given to Professor Madeline Giguere, who established Franco-American Studies as a legitimate part of college curriculum at the University of Southern Maine.

 “We want to honor people who are living,” Marrache said, “But we do want to memorialize those that this was not available to.”

A few photos from the event:

Consul General of France Francois Gauthier, consul gen of france, addresses a press conference.

Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert talks with Franco-American War veterans Willie Danforth and Cecile Burgoyne.

Gov. John Baldacci addresses a press conference as Sen. Lisa Marrache stands by.

Sen. Peggy Rotundo and Elaine Makas, both Lewiston Democrats, watch the press conference along with other supporters.

A display in the Hall of Flags.