At the Battle of Yorktown, the French-American alliance overwhelmingly doubled the number of British forces.
On October 19, 1781, the British surrendered at Yorktown, the last major battle of the American Revolution.
Every year, Yorktown Day commemorates the French-American alliance that won the American Revolution.
Learning that Yorktown celebrates this occasion, the kids and I drove down early for the 229th anniversary ceremonies.
LAFAYETTE, WE ARE HERE
As we walked up the road, I caught a glimpse of four long white legs from underneath the low-lying tree branches.
I knew that horse!
Surprise! Lafayette and two dragoons were on their horses, approaching us.
The last we saw Lafayette was at Prelude to Victory.
While the Continental Army marched out of Williamsburg to Yorktown, Lafayette rode past us, saw my son, and told him he’d see him in Yorktown!
On this day, after exchanging greetings, Lafayette asked my un-costumed son where his regimentals were. 😉
PARADE
Standing near reserved seating for special guests, we saw many French dignitaries and French military members, as well as many attendees representing the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the American Friends of Lafayette…wearing amazing French-American alliance pins, Lafayette scarves, and French- American alliance sashes.
We were glad to have received American flags to wave!
The parade began with cannons firing 13 times, one for each of the original colonies/states.
The theme of the entire celebration was the French-American alliance.
PARADE OF FLAGS
After the parade, we took seats for the ceremony, which began with the Parade of Flags.
After the Parade of Flags, we had the invocation, the national anthems of France and America, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
GREETINGS FROM FRANCE
The program lists a colonel who was the French National Liaison Representative as the next speaker, bringing greetings from France.
Although he was introduced, I think it was actually the ambassador of France who brought the greetings.
Fittingly surrounded by the flags of France and America, he brought not only greetings from France, but also reviewed a bit of history of the alliance our countries have shared since the American Revolution.
He said that the origin of the word France is free.
He reflected on the Declaration of Independence which became reality after the victory at Yorktown.
After his speech, he seemed absolutely thrilled to introduce the next speaker, the Marquis de Lafayette!
LAFAYETTE ARRIVES
Lafayette arrived on horseback, dismounted, then walked up the aisle.
Then he stopped, did an 18th century bow with his best foot forward, bending low with drawn sword, honoring the dignitaries
Lafayette shared a bit of the surrender of the British, then reflected upon how he became involved in the American War for Independence.
He shared how he had been inspired when he first heard the words of the Declaration of Independence.
Knowing that there were French “soldiers” in the audience, he gave a special address to them entirely in French!
COMTE DE GRASSE AND COMTE DE ROCHAMBEAU
Over his shoulder bears the names of the Comte de Grasse who led the French naval fleet, who cut off the British supply ships and the Comte de Rochambeau who led the French army at Yorktown.
Next came the placing of the Memorial Wreath.
As they walked by with this wreath, the most beautiful fragrance wafted from the lilies.
After a memorial prayer, Taps played in memory of those in dangerous areas in service to our country now, and those who have given their lives in service to our country in the past.
Finis. Wow! What a great program! I was so glad we came!
Even if we had to go home then, it would have been worth getting up at 5am and making the 3-hour drive!
But there was more to come! Stay tuned!
