Aside from the simple fact that not all countries define national pride strictly by military victories (otherwise Italy would be the proudest country on Earth due to the conquests and duration of the Roman Empire), it is worth remembering a few words from George Washington:
"France, by her supplies, has saved us from the yoke thus far; and a wise and virtuous perseverance would, and I trust will, free us entirely." (I think I put more stock in George's characterization of the French contribution to the American Revolution, than swaye's.)
Also, how many people are aware that there are only two murals hanging in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives, one on either side of the Speaker's Chair? Check it out (below): The person on the far left is
George Washington. The far right -
Marquis de Lafayette. I doubt Lafayette's painting (and statue across the street from the White House) would exist if France only provided the "de Gaulle syndrome" to the American Revolution.
It's always been easy for the common meat head to say "fuck France" as swaye did above, but folks might want to consider such contributions in the areas of medicine, science, art, literature, architecture, cuisine, ballet, braille (helping the blind to read), photography, cinematography, etc. etc. etc.