Un plus beau drapeau pour une plus belle nation.
The Flag of France, oftentimes known as Tricolour, is a most beautiful flag for a most beautiful nation. The Tricolour has become one of the most influential flags in history, with its three-colour scheme being copied by many other nations.
Pantone-speak, the three colors are Reflex Blue, Safe and Red 032. Simply speak, Blue, White and Red. Have often wondered what the three colors in the French flag symbolizes. Googling about it, the three colours are taken to represent the three elements of the revolutionary motto, liberte (freedom: blue), egalite (equality: white) , fraternite (brotherhood: red).
Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite was an early motto of the French Revolution that expressed its ideals and aspirations. It was first used by statesman Maximilian Robespierre in a 1790 speech that struck a chord, and was widely disseminated. The term, which captured much and condensed it into a brief phrase that had the added benefit of rolling off the tongue easily, entered the popular revolutionary lexicon. The national motto is part of the main symbols of the Republic. There are few phrases in France that can summon up feelings of pride and solidarity quite like this one.
There is a Virtual Takbo event to celebrate this national motto of France. There are multiple distances 5kms, 10kms, 15kms, 21 kms and 42kms (solo and relay). This is hosted by Pinoy Runners Paris et Viajero (BE A HERO). For those interested to join the Run for Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite (#RFLEF) , sign up at the Pinoy Runners Global portal.
To learn more about the running scene in France as well how they feel about the national motto, the Bicolano Penguin got to interview a Frenchwoman who the BP met in an international forum on Lawfare in DLSU early this year. Her name is Marina Mesure and it turns out she is a runner. Here is the Q&A:
BP: How long have you been running? What is the longest run you have done in a running event?
Marina: 10 years. Longest run is a half marathon.
BP: Kindly talk more about the half marathon you joined.
Marina: It was in 2016, the half marathon in the Bois de Vincennes where I used to run. I registered 3 weeks before the race after returning home from a trip to Panama when I saw the announcement of the semi marathon at a bus stop. I told myself that I wanted to take up the challenge even if on average I would run no more than 12 to 15 kms.
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| Marina with her Half Marathon finisher medal |
BP: How would you describe the running scene in France?
Marina: I don't know if we can say there is a unique community/scene of runners in France. There are different groups and state(s) of mind. Running for fun, running for performance. Running in the streets of Paris, on the beaches of the Mediterranean or in the mountains of the Alps, it's not the same scene but the same feeling of freedom, enjoying the run.
BP: What is your favorite running place in France?
Marina: I love to run in Bois de Vincennes, a few kilometers from the Eiffel Tower. It's a beautiful place with oak trees over 250 years old.
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| The largest park in Paris, bois de Vincennes was created between 1855 to 1866 during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III. |
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| There are beautiful paths for running inside bois de Vincennes. Highlights include the medieval Chateau de Vincennes, an arboretum, floral gardens, and numerous natural and recreational facilities. There is a 4.76 mile loop. |
BP: What is the meaning for you of the national motto of France?
Marina: Motto of the French Republic, "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity", a formula recalling the founding principles and values of the country and the symbol of the French Republic appeared during the French revolution in 1789. Article 1 of the Declaration of Human and Civil Rights reads "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and must act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." .
BP: Are these ideals (Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite) present in the sports of running?
Marina: I find that this motto also reflects the spirit of the race. The spirit of a sports accessible to all, whatever the social class or our differences. The spirit of a sport which gives us a feeling of freedom, the feeling of moving forward in joy or in the trials of life. As part of my work, I traveled a lot around the world every time with my running shoes and if the opportunity arose I would run to discover the city, mix with the people. While running we will meet other runners and whatever our language, whatever our differences, we will run together in a beautiful spirit of brotherhood.
Point well made. Running together in the spirit of brotherhood. The most egalitarian of sports giving all runners a sense of freedom. These ideas running in my mind reading this interview with Marina.
Looking at the photos of PRG runners doing their 5kms or 10kms or 15 kms or half marathons or full marathons for RFLEF, there is a ton of truth in what she shared. These Pinoy runners are running together in the spirit of brotherhood to express their solidarity with the host of the Virtual Takbo - the Pinoy Runners Paris et Viajero (BE A HERO). These Pinoy runners do it freely. These Pinoy runners do it with equality in their hearts.
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| Pinoy runners based in the Philippines, Guam and continental USA participated in the #RFELF. |
Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite. Comme tu es beau trois ensemble.
Magnifique.
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