Hortense Saget-Everett, a lecturer in French in the Department of World Languages and the French honorary consul for the State of Idaho, recently organized the visit of Emmanuel Lebrun-Damiens, consul général of France, to Boise. While on campus, Lebrun-Damiens gave a presentation to university and high school students, faculty members and community members in the Student Union Building. Lebrun-Damiens addressed the challenges facing France and Europe, and the importance of France’s relationship with the United States. Lebrun-Damiens also emphasized the benefits for students that come from learning another language and studying abroad.
Following the presentation, Lebrun-Damiens and Saget-Everett visited two French companies, Sorrento Lactalis and Materne, in Nampa. Together, the companies are responsible for the creation of 900 jobs in the Treasure Valley.
Finally, Lebrun-Damiens honored American WWII veteran Emil Reich in a ceremony in the Idaho State Capitol attended by Reich and his family, and several government and military officials. Lebrun-Damiens presented Reich with the rank of Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor for Reich’s service during World War II. Reich served in the U.S. Army and was among the American servicemen who landed on the beaches at Normandy.
Read more about the ceremony here:
- https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/boise-veteran-honored-by-french-consul-general-for-bravery-during/article_87f8452a-5feb-5db6-933a-0561197ab10a.html
- https://www.kivitv.com/news/france-honors-idaho-world-war-two-veteran
- https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/merci-thank-you-world-war-ii-vet-honored-in-idaho-by-the-french-government/277-a818f6c6-4c13-4805-81ae-6953a48c17fc