Something about tonight program. We have our partner the Westport Historical society. It is my pleasure to introduce tonight author Tom Schachtman. We couldnt be more thrilled to host tom as he discusses his new book how the french saved america. I now to support and the marquis to lafayette were only part of frances occupation to american success against england. In how the french saved america, Tom Schachtman makes a convincing case that without france, the United States may never have gained its independence. To the rebuilding colonies, french assistance made the difference between looming defeat and eventual triumph. This aid however is often downplayed in histories retelling of events as we often like to think of our forefathers as having achieved independence all by themselves. Even before the declaration of independence was issued, king louis the xvi and French Foreign minister were aiding the rebels. After the declaration of independence, that assistance would include things li