The French Consul General of New Orleans took part in a ceremony Thursday marking the 200th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans. The bravery being remembered from the War of 1812 was brought forward into the present-day war on terrorism.
A plaque unveiled at St. Louis Cemetery Number One honors French General Jean Humbert, who helped defeat British invasion forces. His mission was remembered by Consul General Gregor Trumel.
“You know how sad are the circumstances of the day in France with the horrible, violent coward attack against a newspaper in Paris last Tuesday," he said. "I don’t want to link. This is different. But just let me tell you. Thinking of General Humbert, who fought his whole life for freedom and democracy, I am even more convinced that we should never surrender to barbarism and darkness.”
Trumel says the consulate in New Orleans has received multiple messages expressing sadness over the attack. He says an online book of remembrance is being planned by the consulate.
