The Embassy of France in all of its elegance in the Georgetown section of Washington, DC was the location of DC SAR’s 2025 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala on February 15, 2025. This year’s theme paid homage to the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour as Guest of the Nation, with period music, dancers, and historical interpreters at the Embassy of France. Honors were rendered to the flags of both nations by the Color Guard Unit from Marine Base Quantico, and the U.S. Anthem was sung by Ms. District of Columbia, Katie Ann Powell.
Ambassador of France to the United States Laurent Bili welcomed the over 400 in attendance with remarks on the enduring Franco-American alliance. D.C. Society President Brock Bierman spoke of the importance of celebrating our founding history and the role of SAR in the world today.
Guests were treated to tasting Lafayette themed wines, French catering, and a silent auction. In honor of the “Hero of Two Worlds”, funds raised will support the National Military Family Association (“NMFA”) and Comite de l’Entraide Defense (“CED”).
NMFA’s mission is to stand up for, support, and enhance the quality of life for every military family through bold advocacy, innovative programming, and dynamic and responsive solutions.
CED is the Defense Mutual Aid Committee of France, through which the benevolent associations supporting the various branches of armed and civilian military service raise funds.
Among our special guests was Major General Bertrand Jardin, the French Defense Attache, Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Jean-Charles Spiteri, Delegate General of CED, Besa Pinchiotti, CEO, National Military Family Association, Chuck Schwam and Dr. Patrica Maclay, Board of Governors, American Friends of Lafayette, and Yvonne Lisar, State Regent, DCDAR.
Sweethearts and Patriots began in 2014 as a way for DCSAR to organize the D.C. political and business communities around our mission. Now in its tenth year, the Gala has raised over $200,000 to support veterans and their families. The 2025 Gala Committee was Co-chaired by Compatriot Patrick Anderson and Lenna Hoffman. (www.sweetheartsandpatriots.org)