Photo credit: Janet Donovan
“Distinguished guests, I welcome you all here this morning at the residence of France for someone that is not only a great friend but who’s a visionary whose leadership has profoundly shaped public health and philanthropic giving,” said Ambassador Laurent Bili in reference to Dr. Susan Blumenthal’s decoration ceremony to present the Insignia of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour). And no, you didn’t have to speak French to be invited, but most guests did.
Ambassador Bili
“You have served at the highest level of the US government across four presidential administrations. With your signature integrity and humanity, your leadership has been instrumental in advancing equal public health issues such as mental health, chronic disease, obesity prevention, pandemic response strategies and violence against women for your career. You also prioritize the Fight Against Cancer. You co-chair the presidential initiative on breast cancer leading groundbreaking efforts to improve detection.
You also founded the National Centers of Excellence in Women’s Health and the National Women’s Health Information Center and since 2013 you have been one of the most dedicated American champion of the Institute Curie for your timeless advocacy. As chair of The Madame Curie Legacy Initiative, you help lead the campaign to establish a chemical biology of cancer research center in Paris and organize pivotal French American scientific exchanges.”
Dr. Susan Blumenthal and Ambassador Bili
“Esteemed Ambassador Bili, my deepest gratitude to President Emmanuel Macron and to you for this profound recognition, my beloved husband and hero Senator Ed Markey,” said Dr. Blumenthal, “and to my cherished friends and distinguished colleagues, my heartfelt thanks for attending this ceremony and for your important contributions to improving the health and well being of people in our nation and world. I accept this award with immense appreciation. It is an appreciation for the brilliant minds, tireless advocates and courageous change makers. To improve health is not the work of one person, it is the labor of a passionate and determined community. In French, you call this fraternity in which many in the United States call solidarity, which is also a French word, which really means the French are global leaders in both sounding good, looking good.”
Senator Ed Markey Dr. Susan Blumenthal Amb. and Madame Bili
“The majestic Statue of Liberty in New York City was a gift from France in 1886 to commemorate the centennial of The Declaration of Independence. Lady Liberty was the beacon of hope that my great-grandparents first saw in 1896 when their ship brought them as immigrants from Lithuania to America’s shores. Like so many of our relatives, my great grandparents journeyed to the United States with dreams for a better future. Fast forward three generations on Bastille Day 2021, I was among the first to view the installation of the bronze replica of the Statue of Liberty right here on the front lawn of this residence. A Lady of Liberty now stands in our capital city lighting the way to freedom and guiding us on a path to progress. France has always surrounded me. Its magic and majesty were an important part of my life since childhood.”
Champagne Toast
After the award ceremony guests celebrated French carbs and bubbles.
