PAmong the quotes she likes, Danie Broche-Canton places on the podium that of John Fitzgerald Kennedy: “Don't ask what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country. “. These days, the former English teacher and honorary president of France-United States Basque Coast, happily replaces the word “country” with the word “association”. On the eve of National Thanksgiving Day, a time of sharing and gratitude, she appeals for goodwill, after the withdrawal of the outgoing president, Augustin Dachicourt.
“I agreed, as former president, to temporarily take back control. It's temporary. We need younger people of good will who get involved in our actions, otherwise the association could disappear.” This is why this “help!” » launched loud and clear by Danie Broche-Canton.
The retiree knows the workings of this friendship group well: from 2002 to 2014, she brought it to life by organizing moments of conviviality, memorial tributes or exhibitions. “It should be noted that we are a non-profit, independent and apolitical association, born in 1945, after the Second World War for its national entity. On the Basque Coast, the group appeared in 1954.
We need younger people of good will who get involved in our actions
The reason for the association's existence, when it was created, was well anchored in the life of Biarritz. “On the one hand, there was the American hospital, avenue de Verdun and above all, after the Liberation, the American University of Biarritz, which welcomed American soldiers after the Allied victory in Europe. Thousands of young Americans and Biarrots attended university. Strong friendships and couples were formed and have long fueled the membership file,” says the manager.
She recognizes a worldly side to the association whose headquarters has long been housed at the Hôtel du Palais. “There was even a historical booklet for guests coming from the USA, left in their rooms,” remembers Danie Broche-Canton. “This is why we organize two annual festive meetings in this hotel: July 4 for Independence Day and the last Thursday in November for Thanksgiving Day.”
Birthday
This year, the gala dinner has been postponed to Friday, November 29 and will take place in the presence of the United States Consul for South-West France, Hector Brown. It doubles as the 70e birthday. “During all these years, the association has seen jolts of history and even explosions, like that of the twin towers. We regularly see anti-French feelings there or anti-American feelings here, but the association is above these tensions. What matters is the historical and unwavering bond between the two peoples which was born thanks to La Fayette.”
And to remember that the French hero of the American war of independence left from… Pasaia during his first voyage to join George Washington, aboard the aptly named “Victoire”. “His in-laws and the King of France tried to prevent him from leaving but he benefited from the help of a Basque smuggler to reach his ship on the other side of the border…” All the more reason to cultivate the Basque-American ties and friendships.
To find out more, see the association’s website www.france-etatsunis.org
