LAURENT AND THE 4TH OF JULY!

Happy 4th Everyone! What a special day and not because it is my birthday.

GUY BRYAN HOLT & LAURENT CLERC

In 1946, on a cold December night my grandfather gave a speech to the American School for the Deaf Alumni. I am not sure of the reason, perhaps an early Christmas Dinner.

In this speech he references the 4th of July toasts that the captain of the Mary Augusta asked each passenger to give on that fateful voyage in 1816. Here is what he said about Laurent's toast:

Clerc brimming over with enthusiasm for his new adventure, and with a Frenchman’s natural tribute to the fair sex gave this, “Today is the 4th of July. This day ought to be a fine day for all Americans, for it is the anniversary of their liberty, of their independence and of their happiness. May this anniversary long return! May this liberty long continue! May this Republic long exist! Long live the memory of the great Washington! How much his name ought to be revered from generation to generation and continue till the most remote posterity! Let us never forget that this illustrious general was seconded by the French in his generous undertaking! The French have always been the friends of the Americans and it is to be wished that they may always be so! Let us drink to the friendship and the good harmony which now reign between the two countries, and let us address prayers to God for their common felicity! May the citizens of the United States ever feel how great a happiness it is for man to be free! May their President always be an able and worthy magistrate!"

-Laurent-