The citizens of France today celebrated their national day.
US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, speaking in Washington, DC, extended the congratulations of President Obama and the people of the United States, to the people of France on their National Day.
“Since the founding of our democracy, France has been a dedicated and enduring partner to the American people.” -Ms. Clinton
Ms. Clinton highlighted that a lifelong scholar of French philosophy, Thomas Jefferson had authored the U.S. Declaration of Independence drawing largely on ideas expressed by Montesquieu, Voltaire, and Diderot. She stressed that following the formation of American government, Jefferson concluded in 1791, “I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it.”
Ms. Clinton stressed that creating and sustaining a representative government is never easy, but the United States and the world have drawn inspiration from the French Republic for more than two centuries.
“Founded on shared ideals of liberty and equality and strengthened through the sufferings and triumphs of two world wars, this relationship is a powerful example to the world. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on this special day.” -Ms. Clinton
The healthcare system of France was ranked first worldwide by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1997 and then again in 2000. Healthcare is free for people affected by chronic diseases such as cancer, AIDS or Cystic Fibrosis.
