Following is an excerpt from a letter I wrote on behalf of the French-American Cultural Foundation to the French Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Gérard Araud, to express the Foundation’s comradeship, sympathy and support for the French people after the fire that engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France, on April 15, 2019. The letter also pledged support for the fundraising efforts currently underway to help rebuild the cathedral.
“The tragic scenes of Notre Dame Cathedral engulfed by flames deeply moved and touched many Americans. Irrespective of location and religious belief, Notre Dame’s historical significance to humanity means this beautiful building and its many important artifacts belong to all of us, not only the people of Paris and citizens of France. We would also give thanks for the many brave Parisian firefighters that battled so valiantly to bring the fire under control and limit the damage.”