Maine Legislature honors state’s Franco-American culture and heritage, affirms ties with Canada
AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, April 24, the Maine Legislature hosted “Franco-American Day,” a day to recognize the contributions of Franco-Americans across Maine and their work to preserve and promote Franco culture and the French language. This year’s celebration also reaffirms Maine’s commitment to bilateral relations with Canada, our vital economic and cultural neighbors, amid federal uncertainty.
“This year’s Franco-American Day was a strong reaffirmation of Maine’s deep Franco roots and connections with French-speaking communities,” said Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, Senate Chair of the Franco-American Caucus. “It was an honor to help welcome fellow Franco-Americans and our neighbors from France and Canada to the halls of Maine government and celebrate our unique cultural and economic bonds. My district and the state of Maine rely on these bonds for trade, tourism and much more.”
“The Franco-American story is Maine’s story,” said Rep. Marc Malon, D-Biddeford, House Chair of the Legislature’s Franco-American Caucus. “It was a great honor to be able to celebrate the Franco cultural identity, the leaders of that community and their lasting impact on our state.”
The Maine House and Senate held a Joint Convention in the House Chamber to honor the Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, selected by the Maine Legislature’s Franco-American Caucus. The Class of 2025 includes historians, authors, educators and community volunteer leaders. The following Mainers were inducted:
- Diane and Robert Cyr of York County
- Ben and Stella Forcier of York County
- Jacynthe Blais Jacques of Androscoggin County
- Dr. Susan Pinette of Penobscot County
- Annie Proulx of Cumberland County
- Gordon Soucy of Aroostook County
- David St. Laurent of Knox County
- Dr. Louis Robert – Posthumous
- Andrea Quaid – Posthumous
The Convention was attended by Susan Morris, Honorary Consul of Canada in Maine; René Sylvestre, Quebec Delegate to New England; and Alban Maino, Honorary Consul of France in Maine.
Following the Convention, inductees participated in a smaller ceremony and visited the Cabinet Room, where they were joined by Governor Janet Mills.
Photo caption: Franco-American Caucus co-chair Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot (first row, second in from left) and Franco-American Caucus co-chair Rep. Marc Malon, D-Biddeford, (first row, far left) joining Gov. Janet Mills as she reads the Legislature’s Joint Resolution declaring April 23, 2025 as Franco-American Day, joined by Franco-American Hall of Fame 2025 inductees and dignitaries from France and Canada.
Photo caption: The Joint Convention recognizing the Franco-American Hall of Fame Inductees and Dignitaries in the House of Representatives.
