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Clockwise from top left: Hubert visited Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park; enjoyed wine tasting in Sonoma; learned new things at National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola with Joel Daves ;spent some time with Hollis Merrick in Ohio; and cruised around the iconic Statue of Liberty with (left to right) Adam Paige Hess, Randall Hammond, Christian Burke, and Willis Taylor.
also showed me where the Society of the Cincinnati had been organized, Mount Guilan by the Hudson River, a site of great significance for our Society.
Mount Vernon was also a key place in the Society’s history and a key stop on my trip. On a visit to the first president general’s homestead organized by J.J. Smith, I was immersed in the life of George Washington and the agricultural techniques of his time. This visit brought me closer to an incredible man who took up arms to defend the future values of the United States.
During my visit to the House of Representatives at the United States Capitol in Washington D.C., I saw a portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette hung next to the portrait of George Washington.
This is a strong symbol of the Franco-American friendship and France’s contribution to the creation of the greatest democracy in the world.
All members of the Society living around Washington D.C. warmly welcomed me to a reception at the Anderson House. For the Fourth of July, Tripp Onnen took me to my first baseball game, followed by a firework display at the National Mall with Landon Henderson. I would like to thank Tripp and the Hendersons for their friendship and hospitality.
Mobile, Alabama, historically part of French
Louisiana, was my next stop. Joel Daves introduced me to Sandy Stimpson, mayor of Mobile, with whom I had a very interesting discussion about the importance of participating in the political life of their country. Mobile is known as the birthplace of the American Mardi Gras, which is also a French traditional celebration.
Just as I was getting ready to depart for New Orleans, Hurricane Barry formed in the Gulf of Mexico and moved toward the city. Fortunately, Joel Daves, Will Blanchard, David DuPlantier and Hollis Merrick got me to New Orleans despite strong winds and heavy rains. Without their extraordinary efforts, I would not have been able to see the city.
A hurricane would not easily prevent the Louisiana Association of the Society from meeting. Even with these bad weather conditions, I was warmly welcomed by all members. Will Blanchard showed me around the French Quarter and took me for a delicious lunch at Antoine’s Restaurant. It was a short but adventurous stay that I will always remember as a time of friendship and mutual support.
San Antonio was my first stop in Texas, where the Mexican and Spanish influence is still alive in its architectural style and culinary specialties. Larry Shallcross introduced me to the story of
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