2006 Programs & Events
Ambassador Stapleton's Visit to Reims
September 8, 2006
On September 8, Ambassador Stapleton made his first official visit to Reims where he met with Sous-préfet Wiart and Mayor Schneiter. Reims is Arlington, Virginia's sister city, and has many historical ties with the U.S. This trip provided an opportunity to pay tribute to Franco-American friendship
The Ambassador visited the War Room where the Germans surrendered to the Allies on May 7, 1945, as well as the American Memorial Hospital founded in 1925 by the Rockefeller Foundation (American fund for French Wounded) and which currently houses pediatric units of the Reims Hospital, still funded by the American endowment. Ambassador Stapleton donated fifty books in French about the U.S. to the hospital's young patients.
Local Franco-American associations, including the Reims-Arlington Committee, France Etats-Unis Champagne and the French Friends of the American Memorial Hospital, hosted a lunch attended by French Minister for Equal Opportunities Catherine Vautrin. Ambassador Stapleton answered questions from the guests on topics ranging from bilateral relations to President Bush’s favorite sports
Later that day, Ambassador Stapleton visited the Carnegie Library, a fine example of Art Deco architecture, funded by Andrew Carnegie’s Foundation in 1921, and the Cathedral, restored after WWI thanks to American funds and President Wilson’s support.
He also had the opportunity to meet with Reims highschoolers who participated in an exchange program with Arlington schools. The following morning Ambassador Stapleton stopped by the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery and Memorial.
Local press covered the visit extensively: L’Union (circulation 150,000) published a full report and an exclusive interview. Regional TV France 3 Champagne-Ardenne also broadcast a full report during its evening edition with a special focus and the American Memorial Hospital.