Hortense Saget Attends French Embassy Event in Washington, D.C.

Hortense Saget, a lecturer in the Department of World Languages, recently was invited to Washington, D.C. to attend a celebration April 24 where French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, were guests.

Saget described the event:

“The cocktail celebration took place at the French Embassy. Président Macron started the ceremony by awarding the Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest order of merit for military and civil merits, to three World War II veterans: Robert Ewald who participated in D-Day at Omaha Beach, Stanley Rzudidlo who landed on Gold Beach on June 7, 1944, and William Barr who was in the Air Force and dropped bombs on German forces in Normandy and North of France.

Président Macron later delivered a speech aimed at the consuls, French Alliance members, education professionals, and entrepreneurs, who live in the United States. He praised the many teachers in the room, and representatives of Alliances Françaises for the work we do to promote French language throughout the U.S. He emphasized the role expatriates play in ensuring a positive image of France, and in developing long-lasting bonds with our fellow Americans.

Macron left after his remarks. He was escorted out by his body guards, but I got to shake his hands and wish him well.”

During the event, Saget also met international business and political advisor, and author Jean Jacques Vitrac, and discussed his recent book, “Driven.”

“Overall, it was a fantastic event, a once in a lifetime type of invitation,” Saget said.

She added that serving as honorary consul requires her to be involved in the French community, to build connections with other consuls and other members of diplomacy.

“I am also responsible for being aware of economical, cultural, political trends as to better serve the community in Idaho,” she said.