In 1562, France began its attempts to colonize North America, sending Jean Ribault and a band of French Huguenots to
Florida. On the banks of the St. Johns River, Ribault erected a stone marker with the French coat of arms announcing France's claim to Florida in Mayport.
Mayport Village will be celebrating its long history on April
28. Events include guest speakers at the Marine Science Education Center, a reenactment of Ribault's landing and meeting with
Chief Saturiba, "Embrace Mayport Village" multi-denominational gathering of people by faith in remembrance of the foundation
of religious freedom and Mayport Village Reunion Fish Fry celebrating the 200 plus year history of local commercial fishing
industries.
The French Navy will moor two goélettes in downtown Jacksonville,
L’ETOILE is
a French Navy schooner, built in 1932
Here is a nice schooner used
for training of French Navy cadets. Her name is l'"etoile" (meaning "star"). She is nearly 80 years old but still in use -
such as her sister-ship "Belle Poule". When German Army invaded France in 1940,
The Belle Poule is a French naval schooner used as a training vessel.
She was launched on 8 February 1932 at the Chantiers de Normandie at Fecamp. She is a replica of a type of fishing vessel
that was used until 1935 off Iceland for catching cod. She has a sister ship, the Étoile. In 1940 she fled to the United Kingdom
and in July was seized by the British. Both Étoile and Belle Poule then served the Free French Forces during the Second World
War, Belle Poule as an annex. In recognition of their loyalty to the Free French they received the honour of the right to
fly the French flag with the cross of Lorraine. In 1945 she returned to Brest. Since 13 May 1978 Belle Poule has been sponsored
by the city of Pauillac
