Feb. 11,
2014--Nothing quite matches the pomp and
ceremony of a state visit, and President Barack Obama did not let Tuesday morning's chilly weather deter him from giving a warm
welcome to French President François
Hollande upon his arrival at the White House. In remarks greeting
the leader of the United States' oldest ally President Obama said, "We
owe our
freedom to each other. Of course, we Americans also thank
our French friends for so much else -- this capital city, designed by
L’Enfant; our Statue of Liberty, a gift from France; and something many
Americans are especially grateful for, New Orleans and the French
Quarter. ” President Hollande reciprocated, stating, in French, "Today,
we stand united and we have built a model of friendship –- a
friendship that is the best recipe for a better world, a world such as
the one that was dreamt by Thomas Jefferson and Lafayette." The
two men started the visit yesterday when President Obama took President
Hollande on a tour of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. After this
morning's arrival ceremony, the Obama and Hollande headed to the Oval
Office for
discussions, and they then participated in a joint
press
conference.
Hollande later awarded Legion of Honor medals to World War II veterans
and the World War II unknown soldier at Arlington National
Cemetery. In this evening the Obamas, Hollande and 350 guests
will enjoy a state dinner in a tent on
the South Lawn.
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