Revelers Storm French Embassy on Bastille Day Unlike the storming of the Bastille in 1789, the 2,000 guests who lined up at the gates of the French Embassy to celebrate French National Day on July 14 only had to brave scorching heat as they paraded slowly up the receiving line to greet French Ambassador and Mrs. Francois Bujon de líEstang. French National Dayóknown in the United States as Bastille Dayóis the nationís proudest day of the year. And as far as receptions go, the French Embassyís salute to libertÈ, egalitÈ, fraternitÈ, it is one of Washingtonís most fun. A varied assortment of French citizensóa valid French passport was necessary to enter the embassy groundsó American francophiles, ambassadors, government officials and members of Congress reveled in music, dance, food and wineóof that undeniably excellent French variety. Among the most colorful and charming guests present was Odette, an 82-year-old can-can dancer who clearly has not missed a step in 60 years. With all the dignitaries present at the event, the ambassadorís guest of honor was the Michael Shelton, mayor of the small town of Bedford, Va. On June 6, Ambassador Bujon, along with President Bush, accompanied Shelton to Bedford to inaugurate the national D-Day memorial, commemorating the Worl d War II invasion of Nazi-occupied Normandy by the Allies. For Americans, the town of 3,000 lost 21 of the 36 men it sent to the war in the first 15 minutes of the Normandy invasion. At the inaugural ceremony, Bujon recalled that "our freedom was paid dearly by those who fell in the sand never to rise again." Addressing the guests on Bastille Day, Ambassador Bujon remarked at length about the close similarities in the national histories of the United States and France. Both countries, he said, were born of revolution and devoted to the principles of democracy. He further noted that France and the United States had remained resolute allies through their 200-year histories. The Gameís the Thing The Ritz Carlton Hotelís Sports Club/LA is playing host to more diplomatic activities than the Organization of American States these days through a new Diplomatic Membership Program designed to attract foreign service officers to the clubís facilities. In addition to hosting a "Social Secretaries" luncheon on July 3, the sports club has inaugurated Wednesday night indoor soccer matchesópitting embassy against embassy. No news yet of an India vs. Pakistan match, but the notion of geopolitical rivals meeting on the field raises hopes for some good old-fashioned grudge matches. At last count, Italy fell to France in a hotly contested match. Switzerland fell to Germany, and the Netherlands defeated Russia. The weekly event is the brainchild of Tamara Linderman, The Sportís Club/LAís diplomatic membership director, who has been busy cultivating the embassy community. On July 3, Linderman hosted a lunch at the club for embassy social secretaries. Representing almost a dozen embassies were Donatella Verrone of Italy, Karin Peeters of the European Union Delegation, Mimi Burke of Saudi Arabia, Leila Takala of Finland, Diane Flamini of Spain, Gerda Laetsch of Germany, Cristina Diaz-Muroz of Mexico, Amanda Downes of Great Britain, and Monika Jakobsen of Norway. The attendees toured the 100,000-square-foot club and enjoyed a lunch of shrimp cocktail and filet mignon at the clubís Sidewalk Cafe. "This lunch is unique as weíve never had a [sports] club approach [the social secretaries] as a group. We finally got together and met one another... It is wonderful to have time just for ourselves in such a beautiful setting, since we always take care of others," said social secretary Donatella Verrone. Of course, some social secretaries may have some bruised egos to take care of if, say, Greece were to beat Turkey or vice versa on one of those Wednesday night soccer matches. Nonetheless, Karin Peeters of the European Union Delegation remarked that "for embassies in the area, it is very convenient. My colleagues who joined are impressed with everything the club offers and note they now have a lot more energy." The special promotion grants all embassy personnel half off the initiation fees for health and squash memberships. Spouses and dependents also receive savings on their initiation fees and monthly dues. The club offers more than 100 group exercise classes weekly, four international squash courts, two pools, spa, salon, child care, garage parking and indoor soccer. For more information contact The Sports Club/LA membership office at (202) 974-6600.