Proud of our Acadian heritage

To the Editor:

The late Dr. Edward Martin was awarded an Legislative Sentiment during the 10th Annual Franco-American Day.

On March 16 at 6:30 a.m., we traveled to Augusta to fulfill our wishes to be part of the 10th Annual Franco -American Day and if you can believe this, it was also our first visit inside the Capitol Building.

We arrived early enough to enjoy a breakfast of raspberry crepes and coffee. We then proceeded to the gallery of the House of Representatives where we not only would observe our State Government in action but would also witness our community’s own Dr. Edward Martin -posthumous, along with Terry Ouellette (aka as T.O.) from St. Agathe, Patrick Paradis of Augusta, Claire and Gilles Auger of Sanford, Sister Solange Bernier -posthumous of Lewiston be inducted into the Franco-American Hall of Fame.

It was an impressive ceremony with dignitaries from France, Canada, and the Province of Quebec as well as a color guard carrying flags of the United States, France, Canada and Acadia. Words of sentiment for Dr. Martin were given by Representative Paul Gilbert of Jay and Representative Cheryl Briggs. He was then accepted in the House of Representatives. This procedure was repeated again in the Senate with words of sentiment by John Patrick.

Once everyone was presented and accepted, we went to The Hall of Flags where short speeches were given by the dignitaries as well as recognition by Governor Paul LePage. Awards and pins were handed out to honorees.

Throughout the morning, there were musical performances by Melanie Saucier, Aliette Couturier, Sylvain’s Acadian Aces, Don LeBlanc, Michael Parent, and Lewiston Strings, as well as displays by historical and cultural organizations.

By this time we were famished, so back to the cafeteria for lunch of a meat pie dinner which was nearly as good as Memere used to make. To top the day off and to help digest our meal we went to the State Museum where we found the new Acadian displays.

This is our interpretation of a historical day in our beautiful and impressive State Capitol Building. In retrospect, we decided we were grateful to Dr. Martin for his passionate interest in the Acadian culture, for sharing it with all those who were interested and for promoting the French culture in Maine.

We are proud of our Acadian heritage.

Andrea Bernard Gurney,

Lorraine Robichaud Legere