One hundred people who contributed to the restoration of the Paris cathedral were decorated at the Élysée. The president welcomed “the momentum of French pride” whose craftsmen and employees have shown for five years.
Nearly 600 people were expected on Tuesday April 15 at the Élysée for a collective ceremony for the delivery of a Legion of Honor and the Order of Merit to “Those of Notre-Dame”. At 4.30 p.m., we saw groups of companions, architects and employees, accompanied by their family or friends – each having had the right to come with five guests. The large courtyard, usually empty and bordered by official cars, was soon invaded by crane operators, decorators, carpenters, engineers, stone tailors, painters or scaffolders. Alongside them, spouses having sometimes experienced this project by proxy for five years, and children on their 31 who took selfies.
Six years today after the fire, and four months after the reopening of the cathedral, something joyful and little protocol emanated from the crowd gathered in front of the Perron, awaiting the President of the Republic. While the world does not necessarily turn round, Notre-Dame de Paris has been, and is always a positive bubble. It was and is still for those who worked there. It is, by all obvious, for the President of the Republic who went to the site 6 times and saw the mark of a constructive and future France.
“Beyond the prestigious event, we are a happy family to meet”, Explained from the Loïc DESMONTS court, manager of the workshops of frames of the same name. All, like the young Chaïbi Abdelkader, post manager at the reception of the site, said the“Immense honor”the “Pride to be rewarded” And above all, the happiness of being there.
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From the vault to the large organ via the reliquary, which should not be missed during a visit to Notre-Dame
“Gratitude of the nation”
In more than five years, nearly 2,000 people will have participated in the restoration of the cathedral and the «promotion Notre-Dame» only concerns 100 of them. The list, skillfully weighed, has ensured a balance between the different trades, to a geographic diversity, and not to forget women, less numerous in the heritage and building professions. “We would have liked our whole business to be rewarded, but this was not possible. We receive this honor on behalf of all the employees of the Perrault workshops ”, said Jean-Baptiste Bonhoure, director general of workshops (heritage catering), before entering the palace.
At 6.30 p.m., Emmanuel Macron entered the big village hall. In a quarter of an hour, he will say “The gratitude of the nation” With regard to these 100, but also with regard to a Kyrielle of trades and knowledge to make care to scratch. “You have made the impossible possible, driven a momentum of French pride, shown what a great nation can do, capable of kissing dreams” continued Emmanuel Macron, before completing his speech with: “Forever, you will be the Notre-Dame generation”.
Several members of the government, including the Prime Minister who was just out of the National Assembly or Rachida Dati, but also personalities like General Lecointre, Grand Chancellor of the Legion of Honor or Laurent Nuñez, Police Prefect of Paris, were on site, in order to lend a hand to the President for this burst of decorations (33 Legion of Honor, and 67 National Order of Merit). In an hour and a half of time, and under the applause, the case was completed. Champagne then sank with waves, giving pink to the cheeks of the recipients. “This evening is a final bouquet” Judged Philippe Jost, president of the public establishment rebuild Notre-Dame.