Franco-American celebration to take place at State House

AUGUSTA – The third annual Franco-American Day will be held March 18 at the State House to celebrate the contributions people of French ancestry have made and continue to make to Maine.

Activities begin at 8 a.m. Part of the House and Senate sessions will be conducted in French that day and Melanie Saucier, 8, of Fort Kent will again sing the American national anthem in French and English in both chambers. The Pledge of Allegiance also will be recited in both languages.

Three Maine residents will be inducted into the Franco-American Hall of Fame that day.

Traditional French songs will feature Saucier, Jena Paul Poulin of Augusta, the Silver Tones of Lewiston and high school senior Samantha Boutot of Fort Kent. Another high school senior, Michelle Lavertu of Madawaska, will perform a dance routine.

The Hall of Flags will be filled with tables representing many historical societies, cultural groups and French schools from across the state.

Representatives from France, Quebec, New Brunswick and the American Indian tribes have been invited to participate in the celebration. The Cross Cafeteria will feature Franco-American meals for breakfast and lunch.