AUGUSTA — Maine lawmakers celebrated the state’s Franco-American residents and heritage during an annual celebration at the State House on Wednesday.

For 15 years now, the Legislature has taken time from its work to acknowledge and celebrate the state’s strong French roots and to induct residents into the state’s Franco-American Hall of Fame.

Raymond John Lagueux of Lewiston was among the five inductees. Lagueux and the others were recognized by official sentiments that were read and adopted in both the House and Senate.

Lagueux was recognized for his years of teaching French to college and adult education students and for offering the first French language program at the University of Maine at Farmington. Laqueux also served for more than 11 years on the board of directors for the Franco Center, including serving as the center’s interim executive director before he retired in 2015.

During a press conference recognizing Lagueux and others, state Rep. Mike Lajoie, D-Lewiston, said Lagueux was particularly known for encouraging Franco-American students to be proud of their language and culture.

“He encouraged them to think positively and to be confident in their abilities to believe that their language or accent was valid and so universally it’s acceptable and not to fear it,” Lajoie said. “I think that’s so important to the French language today, especially in the United States in areas so close to Canada where we seem to be losing that flavor of French.”

Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, who served as the master of ceremonies on Wednesday, said he was honored and proud to be from a city that celebrates its French heritage.

Libby delivered the morning prayer in the Senate on Wednesday in both French and English.  

“Franco-Americans have played — and continue to play — an integral role in Maine’s history,” Libby said. 

Rep. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, also served as Speaker Pro Tem in the House Wednesday. Rotundo, who  spoke in both French in English from the rostrum, was made an honorary Franco-American, years ago, she said.

Rotundo said she was honored to represent her city’s large Franco population.

Also speaking Tuesday were dignitaries from France, Canada and the province of Quebec, all of which touted Maine’s strong connection to its French roots.

Some inductees including Paul Vachon of Augusta said there were times in their lives when they would try to hide their French background for fear of being made fun of.

Vachon, a well-known Augusta-area basketball coach, said the efforts of those who stood up for French culture and language inspired him. 

“It was always this honoring and things of that sort,” Vachon said. “Growing up in Augusta and being French wasn’t, at times, very easy. I remember at times in middle school people telling me, ‘Don’t tell anyone you are French because all the French jokes are going to come out.'” 

Vachon said he tried to hide his roots. “I tried to hide that I was French,” he said. “But because of this community, the pride came out. They said, ‘Be proud that you are French.”

Vachon said he wanted to especially thank Le Club Calumet for its efforts in supporting him and supporting French language and culture in Maine.

Laqueux, for his part, did not bask in the spotlight, but did take a moment to promote events at The Dolard & Priscilla Gendron Franco Center in Lewiston that were taking place later in the day. Laqueux also noted that French-speaking African immigrants were rapidly becoming a large part of the state’s extended Franco-American community.

Others inducted to the state’s Franco-American Hall of Fame on Wednesday include Marcel Viger of Kennebunk, Rhea Cote Robbins of Brewer and James and Mona Lavertu of Madawaska. Also inducted posthumously was Raymond Gaudette Sr. of Biddeford.

sthistle@sunjournal.com

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