Saint-Gobain Corporation associated with visual tribute in Paris
commemorating 10th anniversary of 9/11.
Saint-Gobain Corporation was among the sponsors of a special event in Paris that marked
the tenth anniversary of the September 11th tragedy of the World Trade Center attack.
The grassroots organization “The French Will Never Forget” (TFWNF) hosted a series of
events on September 11th to demonstrate the support and gratitude the French people feel
for their longtime American allies. The most impressive event was the unveiling of a
scaled reproduction of the World Trade Center towers in front of the Palais de Chaillot
esplanade, Place du Trocadéro in Paris, which perfectly frame the Eiffel Tower.
Each tower is approximately 80 feet high and was created by scaffolding wrapped in
white tarpaulin. One tower lists the names of the 9/11 victims who lost their lives. The
other tower showcases the messages of supporters from around the world, which came
from the Facebook page of The French Will Never Forget.
During the unveiling of the World Trade Center replicas, powerful laser lights at the base
of each model tower were directed at the Eiffel Tower. At 9 p.m., the exact moment when
the Eiffel Tower’s lighting system was switched on, the lasers were illuminated and
beamed to the Tower, linking these two important symbols through light as a message of
solidarity and friendship.
“The Eiffel Tower framed in perspective between the two model towers, plus the laser
lights going to the Eiffel Tower from the models, links France in a very strong visual way
to America’s sorrow,” said Jean-Pierre Heim, the French architect who designed the
project.
A special opening ceremony at the base of the tower replicas was attended by U.S.
Ambassador to France Charles Rivkin, the French Interior Minister, the Mayor of Paris,
other top U.S. and French government officials, and Gilles Colas, Saint-Gobain’s Senior
Vice President for Strategic Development.
"The French Will Never Forget" was set up in 2003 by a group of French entrepreneurs
living in the United States to publicize the cultural solidarity between the two nations.