M. Raymond J. Barrette
Franco-American of the Year 1984
Lowell, Massachusetts

When named Franco-American of the Year Raymond Barrette considered his greatest achievements to be, first, the founding of LE JOURNAL DE LOWELL, and two, spearheading the creation of the SALLE BIRON at the Pollard Memorial Municipal Library in Lowell. In 1998 he was awarded the Legion of Honor by the Association Canado-Americaine for his tireless efforts in promoting the French language. Always an active member and a former President of Le Club Richelieu de Lowell he was named a member of the Cercle Horace Viau of the Richelieu International Foundation in 2003. “Passionate” is the adjective that describes him best when speaking of his efforts to maintain and perpetuate the French language and culture as testified by his active participation in the Franco-American Historical Society, the Cour Domremy, No.23 of the Association Canado-Americaine of Lowell, MA, the Committee for the Advancement of French in America (CAFA), Action for the Franco-Americans of the Northeast (ACTFANE) and the Franco-American War Veterans of Lowell, Post #4, once serving as vice-commander.