When French Ambassador François Delattre lands in Lafayette - and only Lafayette - during his second visit to the U.S. later this month, he will present the Legion of Honor, France's highest commendation, to World War II veteran Lorcey J. Sonnier, of Maurice.
French Ambassador François Delattre, who is making is second visit to America's shores June 28, is scheduled to arrive in Lafayette for a two-day visit of the area.
The ambassador's visit is organized by Le Centre International de Lafayette, the international division of Lafayette Consolidated Government.
Events, public and private, are scheduled for the French dignitary. Local Francophone organizations such as the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana and La Fondation Louisiane are involved with the trip, as is the Consulate General of France in New Orleans.
During his trip, the ambassador will present the Legion of Honor, France's highest commendation to World War II veteran Lorcey J. Sonnier, of Maurice.
Public events include a lecture of the recreation of the Marquis de La Fayette' ship, L'Hermione, that carried a message to the young nation battling England that France was committing troops and ships to the American cause.
The lecture and reception is set for Thursday, June 28, at the Lafayette Science Museum, 433 Jefferson St., at 5 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., respectively. Later that night at 7:15 p.m., a fundraising gala for study scholarships in France will be held at the UL Alumni House, 600 E. St. Mary Blvd. Tickets are $500 a couple; RSVP by calling 989-0071.
On Friday, Delattre is set to visit St. Martinville where he will visit museums and the Maison Duchamp. Upon his return to Lafayette, Delattre will be at LITE to discuss international exchange and research programs between the two countries with UL representatives.