MADAWASKA, ME – Last night, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined with Acadians across Maine, Canada, and many other parts of the world in celebration of their history and shared heritage at the 2014 World Acadian Congress. As part of the festivities, Senator King marched in the Tintamarre Parade and delivered remarks in honor of National Acadian Day 2014.

“It is wonderful for us to welcome so many of our Acadian brothers and sisters from around the world,” Senator King said. “This is such a great gathering. And it’s all about family. It’s all about connections. It’s all about relationships. And it’s wonderful to be together and to have you here to feel the spirit of this place and to participate in what is truly the loudest parade I’ve ever been in. It is so good to be with you, and I’ll leave you with two more words in French: Vive L' Acadie!”

The World Acadian Congress is a celebration of the heritage of the Acadian people. Held in the St. John Valley, and in international partnership with Acadians from New Brunswick and Quebec, this year’s event will be the fifth Congress uniting Acadians from across the world. The first Congress was held in the Moncton, New Brunswick in 1994, the second in Lafayette, Louisiana in 1999, the third in Nova Scotia in 2004, and the fourth in Northeastern New Brunswick in 2009. For more information, click HERE.

While in Aroostook County, Senator King earlier in the day visited Fort Kent where he took a walking tour of small businesses along Main Street, including Swamp Buck Restaurant, Rock’s Family Diner, and Circle K. He also visited the Fort Kent Port of Entry where he spoke with Customs and Border Protection officers and surveyed the new international bridge that connects Maine to Clair, New Brunswick and which officially opened in late July.

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