New Rochelle paid tribute to its founding settlers from La Rochelle, France, with a ceremony marking Bastille Day.
The city is in the midst of its 325th Anniversary, which adds more meaning to the celebration, said Mayor Noam Bramson.
He said it was an opportunity to reflect on the founding of New Rochelle by French Huguenot settlers as well as the enduring bonds that connect the two cities.
"It's also a connection of values," Bramson said, "that we all have a stake in each other's lives."
Peter Korn, of the Sister City Initiative, said another reason to celebrate Bastille Day was to remind Americans "of the success of the United States has had spread democracy around the world."
During the ceremony, the French flag was raised in front of City Hall as the crowd sang "La Marseillaise," the French national anthem.
After that, "The Star-Spangled Banner was sung.
Bastille Day is July 14.
(Video credit: Michael Woyton)
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