THE SAGA OF THE BRIDGE CELEBRATING 1917 -THE EVENT OF CENTURY- 2017!

USPA NEWS - Part one : A look Back at History and an incredible challenge !

Commemorating the anniversary of the venew of the "Sammies" one hundred years ago in 1917 while world war One, the Bridge is an absolutely unique event that has been taking place with phenomenal success this whole past week. It keeps on going this saturday morning with the arrival at New York City of a specific thrilling race. Special guest star has been the presence of the Queen Mary 2 returning home for the first time since 2003 at the town of The Saint-Nazaire where a mytic bridge separates the Loire from the Atlantic Ocean, image of the departure. Come on board to feel these extraordinary days impact shared with the local, sports and economical actors, US citizens, veterans, institutions and associations and so many others around this celebration of the american and french historical friendship and mutual share of Democraty and Liberty.

The Bridge represents a symbol by returning the situation of the year 1917 as the first landing of american soldiers on the french coast. It was World War One and the "Sammies" have joigned the conflict to help old Europe and especially France to retrieve its liberty thanks to the famous "Triple Entente". The troups have arrived mostly at Saint-Nazaire in the Department of Loire-Atlantique (44 - France) close to the town of Nantes. A main harbour that the German Troups would occupied while World War Two. To never forget this mutual friendship between both countries and what it brings to french people as jazz and Basket-Ball, a major event has so been created under the name of The Bridge beeing major part of the commemorations named "Mission Century 14 -18" launched by the leadership of Joseph Zimet(Director General) and David Zivie (Deputy Director General).

The Bridge : symbol of mutual fridenship between the two shores of the Atlantic

Let's have a look back of the beginning of this great human adventure that has gathered together many men and women through their passion to celebrate this century anniversary. The Bridge is a fabulous story borned years ago due to the creation of an association in June 2014. They thought about an original way of celebrating 1917's US troups arrival. Thanks the determination of the founder members they have made possible the dream of a return of Quenn Mary II from Cunard line to be back at its original harbour located at Saint-Nazaire in Loire-Atlantique for the first time ever. They have chartered this mythical boat and have developped the whole crazy project but so exceptionnal. The story of the Bridge event could get on the starting block symbolized by this return home from the boat and then organize a transatlantic race of 3150 miles to New York. (Read article in sports section to know some more). But not only ! They have developped then a real program of festivities so it could really brings back to memories of young generations the impact of this year 1917.

In the footsteps of the 1917 landing of american soldiers

Several harbours in France are commemorating the participation of United States of America in First World War in 1917. Not only Saint-Nazaire but also Boulogne-sur-Mer and Brest. At this place while the Queen Mary II had been cruising around, the orrganizers of the Bridge have made possible a special escort of an International Military's Armada from five different countries involved on the conflict. The French frigate named Primauguet would be advancing the Loire's estuary just before the QM2 announcing to the massive crowd along the beaches the return of the prestigious Cunard's Ocean Liner.. (Read the article concerning The Bridge festivities at Saint-Nazaire to know more).

Creating the Bridge : a mix of styles and a magical moment to live

This started the most spectacular and popular event on the centennial celebrations. In the presentation of the event Damien Grimont, creator and organiser was speaking about the strenghts of such extraordinary event in a particular context. "It seems to me vitally important to remeber the values of kinship which united the two countries and which have advanced the rights and freedoms of both."... "I would highlight the project's ability to bring together people from all walks of life : sailors, artists, basketball players and entrepreneurs.All together we can build on the past to build the future". By such words he was intended to underline how the Bridge gives a meaning to such commemorations by turning to the future. That's why the race begins in France to end close to Manhattan's Bridge and the Statue of Liberty on this July the first.

Tony Parker as an Ambassador of exception illustrating the fraternal links

The Sammies have brought much more than only an army force to fight against the ennemy. Patrick Boissier, the President of The Bridge's association was declaring the event "as a project exceptionnal from start to finish that has been steadily growing on all fronts". Another important step was so the creation of the "100 Club" It groups together visonary entrepreneurs, decisions makers or recognised speakers from Economy, History or even Philosophy to exchange while the cruise about the world of tomorrow on a different atmosphere than usual. And as an ambassador and godfather of exception the Bridge's organizers had chosen Tony Parker famous NBA player of San Antonio Spurs representing perfectly the fraternals links between both countries.

The signature of the agreement with David Dingle President of Cunard Line Ltd was the perfect illustration of this emotion growing up in the heart of all citizen from the west coast, so happy to be able to watch again the Queen Mary II coming back to its birthplace before celebrating a new symbolic departure. But tha't's another story to feel and read.... To be followed on Part two and three !