There are moments in history that belong not to a political party, a single generation or even one nation. They belong to civilization itself. This fall, one of those moments will quietly unfold inside one of the world’s most recognizable symbols of history: the Palace of Versailles.
As America continues celebrating its 250th anniversary, organizers say the French-American Friendship Gala will bring together American leaders, veterans, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, historians, innovators and cultural institutions on October 19 in Versailles’ Hall of Great Battles, not simply for an elegant evening in France, but to commemorate the alliance that helped secure American independence.
For Texans, this story carries particular significance. Texas has never been content simply to inherit history. Texans have always believed in helping shape it.
That same pioneering spirit, the willingness to build, defend, innovate and lead, is precisely what organizers hope to showcase during the French-American Friendship Gala at Versailles. Their vision is refreshingly different from the traditional gala circuit. Rather than celebrating celebrity, the evening seeks to celebrate American excellence.
Not merely wealth. Not politics. Not influence for influence’s sake. Excellence.
The organizers envision 60 tables, each representing the best America has to offer, from military leadership and entrepreneurship to agriculture, education, innovation, medicine, philanthropy, architecture and the arts.
For those of us fortunate enough to call Texas home, that invitation feels especially meaningful.
A friendship that changed the world
Americans often remember the Revolutionary War through names like Washington, Jefferson and Adams. Less frequently do we pause to remember that France’s military, financial and diplomatic support proved crucial to the American victory. Versailles stood at the center of French decision-making as Louis XVI formally recognized the sovereignty of the United States and committed France to the war.
That friendship did not end with the Revolution. It endured through World War I and World War II. It continues today through economic partnerships, scientific collaboration, cultural exchange and the countless personal relationships that connect both nations.
Perhaps most remarkably, Versailles has now opened a permanent gallery dedicated to the American War of Independence, a lasting recognition that the American story will forever hold a place inside one of France’s greatest historical treasures.
History has quite literally carved out a place for America.
Why Texas belongs in the room
When much of the world thinks about America, it often pictures New York or Washington. Increasingly, however, the world is looking toward Texas. Dallas-Fort Worth reached an estimated 8.5 million people in 2025 after growing 11% since 2020. Texas’ economy spans aerospace, defense, artificial intelligence, logistics, agriculture, finance, energy, medical research and entrepreneurship.
It is also home to institutions that embody America’s commitment to service and sacrifice, from the National Medal of Honor Museum to world-renowned universities, cultural organizations and companies shaping the future of innovation. This gala presents a rare opportunity not only to celebrate America’s past, but to demonstrate the strength of America’s future.
The message is simple: America’s greatest export has never been a product. It has always been its people.
More than a gala
The evening itself promises extraordinary experiences. Guests will enjoy private access to the Palace of Versailles, cocktails in the famed Hall of Mirrors and a culinary journey through America crafted by Chef Patrick O’Connell of the three-Michelin-starred Inn at Little Washington.
The menu itself tells a story. Organizers say it will feature American beef, Maine lobster, Alaskan seafood, California produce and Virginia wines. Each course is designed to introduce French guests to an America that extends far beyond familiar stereotypes. It is diplomacy, not through speeches, but through hospitality, craftsmanship, agriculture and culture.
Perhaps there is no more American way to build friendship.
Citizen diplomacy at its best
One detail stood out during our conversation with the organizers. They describe this not as a government or political event, but as an act of citizen diplomacy. Long after administrations change, elections end and headlines fade, the relationships between free people endure.
Business leaders. Veterans. Families. Educators. Artists. Historians. Entrepreneurs. Together, they become ambassadors for the ideals America has represented for 250 years.
Texas has always answered history’s call
Texans understand something that history repeatedly teaches. Freedom requires courage. Friendship requires gratitude. Leadership requires participation.
Whether defending liberty on the battlefield, rebuilding communities after tragedy, feeding the world through agriculture, pioneering medical breakthroughs or launching the technologies of tomorrow, Texas has consistently answered history’s call. Perhaps that is why this invitation feels so fitting. The story of America did not begin at Versailles. But America’s future relationships with the world may very well be strengthened there once again.
For one evening, 60 tables will gather beneath the grandeur of one of history’s greatest palaces, not simply to celebrate where America has been, but to declare confidence in where America is going. As proud Texans and proud Americans, it is an honor to tell that story.
Because some moments deserve more than remembrance. They deserve participation.
Event information
Those interested in becoming part of this historic celebration have a unique opportunity to do so.
The French-American Friendship Gala is scheduled for October 19 in the Hall of Great Battles at Versailles. The event, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and America’s first alliance, was conceived by Countess Dorothea de La Houssaye, founder and chairman of The Normandy Institute and president of American Friends of Blérancourt, the U.S. philanthropic organization that supports the Franco-American Museum at Château de Blérancourt. The museum’s history is rooted in the humanitarian work of Anne Morgan, daughter of financier J.P. Morgan, during World War I.
The Normandy Institute, American Friends of Blérancourt and the French-American Cultural Foundation are collaborating on the gala. The three U.S. nonprofit organizations work to preserve and strengthen the relationship between France and the United States.
The gala will bring together a carefully curated group of American leaders, entrepreneurs, veterans, philanthropists, historians, innovators and cultural institutions for an evening at the Palace of Versailles celebrating the shared ideals and historic alliance that helped shape the United States.
Tables accommodating 10 guests are available from $35,000 to $45,000.
For table reservations or additional information, contact Countess Dorothea de La Houssaye at [email protected].
