Programs and Events 2009
A Bridge to Freedom-1789-2009 Tribute to Thomas Jefferson
June 2009-2010
Thomas Jefferson's journey
Consul General of Marseille, Kathleen Riley with children during the commemorations in Languedoc.
Before departing for the United States in 1789, Thomas Jefferson travelled through France over thousands of kilometers to explore the entire French territory. The American Embassy Paris is a partner in the project “Les ponts du Coeur” through which plaques are being placed throughout France in up to 40 towns visited by Thomas Jefferson. In addition, “Les Ponts du Coeur” published a catalogue “Un Pont pour la liberté symbole de l’amitié franco-américaine.” Mark Pekala, Charge d’Affaires A.I., wrote an introduction to the catalogue along with Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Jean Favier, Membre de l’Institut and President of the French Commission to UNESCO who also are supporting the project.
List of cities that will place a plaque to commemorate Thomas Jefferson and inauguration dates (other dates TBC)
| Angers (April 15, 2010) | Montpellier (March 24, 2010) |
| Auxerre | Nancy (Dec. 15, 2009) |
| Bègles | Nice |
| Béziers | Nîmes |
| Breil sur Roya (July 14, 2009) | Ollioules |
| Calais | Paris |
| Castelnaudary (Sept. 19, 2009) | Pommard (Nov.12, 2009) |
| Chagny (Nov.12, 2009) | Pont Saint Esprit (Sept. 20, 2009) |
| Cuers | Remoulins (Feb. 26, 2010) |
| Dijon (23 avril 2010) | Revel (August 7, 2009) |
| Frontignan la Peyrade | Saint Georges d'Orques |
| Le Luc (Dec. 8, 2009) | Sens (February 19, 2010) |
| Lyon (Fev. 9, 2010) | Sète |
| Mâcon (Dec. 12, 2009) | Toulouse |
| Marly le Roi (March 26, 2010) | Tours (June 30, 2010) |
| Marseille (Nov. 10, 2009) | Vermonton (Nov. 11, 2009) |
| Meursault (Nov.12, 2009) | Versailles (March 26, 2010) |
| Montauban | Vienne (February 9, 2010) |
| Montferrand (Sept. 19, 2009) |
