Illinois' French connection has been around for a long time.
Marquette and Joliet explored the Illinois frontier in the 1670s, and from that time forward, the land absorbed French influence.
French explorers, traders and missionaries were active in the 17th and 18th centuries in the land that became Illinois. Some French families colonized portions of the future state.
Illinois, in fact, is the French spelling for the tribe of native Americans who once lived here.
French place names abound in present-day Illinois – at least three dozen, by one count.
Among them are Rochelle, Sublette, Bureau County, DePue, LaMoille, LaSalle, Hennepin, Joliet, Champaign – even Paris, in Edgar County.
Others include Belleville, Creve Coeur, Decatur, Des Plaines, DuPage, DuQuoin, Fayette County, LaGrange, Marseilles, Menard County and Versailles.
We're known as the Prairie State, right? Well, "prairie" is a French word.
The French founded the town that became Illinois' first state capital – Kaskaskia.
Much later, Illinois soldiers joined other Americans in the fight to liberate French soil in World Wars I and II, in partial payment for France's crucial support of the fledgling United States during the Revolutionary War of 1775-83.
The Franco-American relationship, although it has hit a few bumps along the way, is one of respect and admiration – exemplified by France's gift to the United States of the Statue of Liberty in the 19th century.
The relationship is now one of mutual sorrow and resolve, after terrorists struck France, killing nearly 130 people and wounding 350.
The attacks are the second this year on French soil. In January, terrorists attacked the office of a French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, killing 12 people.
In reaction, the phrase "Je suis Charlie," French for "I am Charlie," became a popular rallying cry against terrorism.
As flags in Illinois flew at half-staff this past week, Illinoisans, revolted by the violence, extend their friendship and solidarity with the people of France.
Truly, "Nous sommes France" – We are France.
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