Still time to experience World Acadian Congress
To the editor:
La joie, pure joy is reigning in the large territory of les Terres et Forêts, and the world is noticing. The list of visiting dignitaries was impressive on opening day of the Worldwide Acadian Congress. It was a pleasure being on the Michel Doucet early-morning program, Le Réveil. His entire crew, led by producer Leo Thériault, had once again displaced themselves from Moncton to Edmundston.
CBC-Radio had broadcast live from the CMA Office at a press conference in Madawaska 100 days before the Congrès. A very appreciative audience sat listening in the first-ever French broadcast from this side of the St. John River Valley. They had no trouble finding French speakers to interview, including two teenagers, Anna Faucher and Mike Cyr. Surprise de surprise, des jeunes Américains qui parlent français couramment! Merci aux parents! Merci aux écoles et aux membres de la communauté de la belle Vallée St-Jean and beyond.
Jean Marie Nadeau, who conceived the idea of having the Congrès every five years, says that there are 220 million French speakers spread out over five continents — and we all understand one another.
CBC reporter Rosaire L’Italien, who spent years in Edmundston covering both sides of The Valley, is back and was given the Maine assignment. He rejoiced that he spoke French all day. “C’est magnifique!” he said.
Now all eyes are on August 15, when Maine will be hosting the Mass of Celebration outside next to the Madawaska Multi-Purpose Building. There are 5,000 chairs at the ready. A musical extravaganza will be held on the same site later that evening.
Bonne fête, tout le monde.
Judy Ayotte Paradis
Frenchville
