Mayor Yvon Robert and Rouen delegation visit Cleveland Cleveland City Hall July 12, 2018
Rouen is located on the River Seine in the north of France. It is the capital of the region of Normandy. There has been a Cleveland connection since the days of World War I when Professor George Crile was stationed in Rouen. Back in Cleveland, he was one of the co-founders of the Cleveland Clinic, which today has an agreement with the Rouen University Hospital.
Rouen also has a history with Cleveland companies such as Lubrizol. In 2008 a formal Sister City relationship was established between Cleveland and Rouen.
To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of this relationship, a delegation from Rouen, led by Mayor Yvon Robert, visited Cleveland over the Bastille Day weekend. (The group was en route back to France as the French soccer team won the World Cup!)
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Rouen Mayor Yvon Robert
Among other activities, a Bastille Day Celebration was held in Wade Oval in University Circle on July 14, 2018 with French food and music and a visit by the Rouen delegation. It was coordinated by the FACC - The French American Chamber of Commerce - Ohio Chapter.
The delegation also met with Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson in the Red Room and Mayor's Room at City Hall. Watch the video of the Mayors meeting.
Cleveland Chief Valarie McCall spoke about the Sister City relationship of Rouen and Cleveland.
The Mayor was asked about the Flag of Cleveland and Martin Hauserman, Chief City Archivist, Cleveland City Council, explained its origin and meanings.
Enjoy these other photos from that meeting.
Sister Cities Cleveland and Rouen representatives
Mayor Jackson and Mayor Robert with chefs from Rouen
Mayor Jackson with Madame and Mayor Robert
Rouen Mayor Yvon Robert and Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson in Red Room in Cleveland City Hall
Sister Cities Cleveland and Rouen representatives in Red Room in Cleveland City Hall
Explaining the Flag of Cleveland in Red Room in Cleveland City Hall
