July 14 in the European City: Saarlouis celebrates the Franco-German Friendship
“It is our fundamental understanding in Saarlouis to strengthen Europe, with Franco-German friendship at its heart,” emphasized Mayor Marc Speicher on the occasion of the July 14 celebrations in Saarlouis. “This is our unique selling point and our foundation for tomorrow in the European city of Saarlouis.” With a large friendship festival, the official reception of the French Consul General, and a flyover of an honorary formation of the Bundeswehr, the national holiday of the neighboring country was honored here. “It is a strong symbol of friendship that the reception takes place today in Saarlouis because the city’s history connects our two countries,” explained Consul General Jérôme Spinoza, and Honorary Consul Myriam Bouchon added: “Saarlouis is the most Francophile city in Saarland, carrying this connection in its heart for decades.”
Only in Paris and Saarlouis: Flyovers for the French National Holiday
As Consul General of the French Republic, Jérôme Spinoza is responsible for the entire Saarland. His reception for the French National Holiday attracted numerous guests from both sides of the border to Saarlouis, as did the public Franco-German friendship festival. A special highlight: the flyover of the honorary formation of two Tornados in honor of the French nation. This only took place in two cities in all of Europe that day: in Paris and Saarlouis.
“A premiere and a very special honor,” emphasized Mayor Speicher. “I sincerely thank the Saarland State Command as well as the Tactical Air Force Wing 33 in Büchel for making this possible in the 70th anniversary year of the German Air Force!” In addition to the commander of the State Command, Colonel Michael Kopp, the commander of Tactical Air Force Wing 33 in Büchel, Colonel Samuel Mbassa, also came to Saarlouis specifically.
In his speech, Saarlouis Mayor highlighted important European and Franco-German milestones of recent weeks: from the now official and legally binding designation “European City Saarlouis” to the awarding of the Europe Diploma in Strasbourg and the reception at the Ambassador of the French Republic in Berlin — leading up to the celebrations of the national holiday in Saarlouis.
“A contribution that goes beyond friendship and recognition”
Besides Consul General Jérôme Spinoza, Mayor Marc Speicher, and Honorary Consul Myriam Bouchon, the President of the Moselle Department, Patrick Weiten, as well as the Saarland Minister of Finance Jakob von Weizsäcker, also addressed the guests.
Europe is not only created in the capitals, explained Weiten: “Europe arises in the daily lives of the people – Saarlouis makes a special contribution that goes beyond friendship and recognition.” Von Weizsäcker emphasized that July 14 is also a celebration of democracy and the republic. “It is important that we remember what we have in democracy: We need a resilient democracy and a resilient Europe.”
At the Franco-German friendship festival, encounters, culture, and culinary delights were the focus – with musical accompaniment, special city tours, the magnificently costumed performers of the Barocco Royal Company, and regional Saarland as well as French specialties. As part of the celebrations, Mayor Marc Speicher was also awarded the Ebbes-von-hei plaque — the European city Saarlouis became the 350th member of the network, thus sending an important signal for regional quality and sustainable value creation.
Captions: Mayor Marc Speicher with Consul General Jérôme Spinoza at the Franco-German friendship festival in Saarlouis. Photos: Dominik Eder
The official reception of the Consul General on the occasion of the French National Holiday in Saarlouis. From left: Minister of Finance Jakob von Weizsäcker, Consul General Jérôme Spinoza, Mayor Marc Speicher, Patrick Weiten, President of the Moselle Department, Mayor Carsten Quirin, and Deputy Gerald Purucker.
