Patriotic Events to Celebrate Yorktown, Rochambeau, & American Independence
If you have never been to Yorktown Day, you are missing the perfect Franco-American event. The patriotism and national pride displayed by both countries are vividly displayed for all to see. This email serves as an invitation to join us at Yorktown next Year month.
Please read below carefully as there is much detail to absorb.
Wednesday October 18th - 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Battle of the Hook Interpretive Signage Dedication
Located at Abingdon Elementary School, 7087 Powhatan Drive Hayes, VA 23072
(12-minute drive from Yorktown)
The American Society of Le Souvenir Français, Inc. will proudly unveil two interpretive markers telling the important story of Gloucester County’s 1781 Battle of the Hook. The largest cavalry battle of the American Revolution, the Battle of the Hook has often been overlooked, yet it is one of the most important episodes of the siege of Yorktown, when the Duc de Lauzun's famous Legion of hussars with 300 troops of the "Infanterie de Marine,” and Lieutenant Colonel John Mercer's Select Battalion of Grenadiers, under the overall command of Brigadier General Claude de Choisy, defeated Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton's British Legion and a detachment of the Royal Welch Fusiliers.
Join us as we commemorate the October 3, 1781, Battle of the Hook by dedicating two historical markers. We expect many local dignitaries and representatives from the French government and military. The program will end promptly by 5:40, giving everyone time to travel to Yorktown for the annual dinner.
Wednesday October 18th - 6:00pm "Yorktown Victory Dinner"...
The annual Yorktown Day Association dinner will be hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution and held at the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown. The cost of this dinner is $75 per person. RSVP and payment details can be found: HERE
ALL DAY Thursday October 19th "Yorktown Victory Celebration"...
October 19, 2022, marks the 241st anniversary of the surrender at Yorktown. The victory will be commemorated with parades, ceremonies, and patriotic exercises.
The itinerary for the morning is...
8:30am – Commemorative Ceremony at the French Cemetery, Yorktown
Battlefield, sponsored by The American Friends of Lafayette and The Friends of Rochambeau.
9:10am – Commemorative Ceremony at the French Memorial honoring
the French and American Alliance, sponsored by the French
Wars Veterans Association in Washington, DC. or....
9:10am – Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the grave of Governor Thomas
Nelson, Jr., at Grace Episcopal Church, Yorktown, sponsored
by the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution.
10:30am – Yorktown Day Parade. Please reply to this email if you would like to march in the parade with other AFL members.
11:15am – Patriotic Exercises and Memorial Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Monument to Alliance and Victory, Yorktown.
An overview of the day can be found: HERE
After the Patriotic Exercises, we will be driving to Williamsburg for an AFL exclusive FREE behind the scenes event....
1:00pm - we will meet at the historic Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg for a private tour and lunch. Located at 201 Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg with parking available a couple of blocks away at Colonial Williamsburg's Merchants Square.
Bruton Parish Church is one of the oldest churches in America. Many of our countries most celebrated citizens worshiped here. More information about Bruton Parish Church can be found: HERE
Details regarding lunch in Williamsburg will be emailed our later this month. Lunch will most likely be in the $20 range. Please reply to this email if you would like attend.
If you'd rather stay in Yorktown, you can alternatively have lunch at the Customs House (cost $35 per person). RSVP and payment details can be found: HERE
5:30pm Thursday October 19th "AFL Cocktail Party"...
Once again, we will gather at the historic and magnificent Hornsby House Inn for the AFL's world famous cocktail party. This is the culinary and social event of the season. Cocktail Party = $25PP (inflation !!). Please pay at the door (cash please). Please reply to this email if you would like attend.
PLEASE respond to this email to confirm....
- Would you like to March in the Parade?..if so, how many of you?
- Will you be attending the free, behind the scenes event in Williamsburg?...if so, how many of you?
- Will you be attending the cocktail party?...if so, how many of you?
Please let me know by responding to this email.
Please book your lodging as well. If you can't find anything in Yorktown, there are plenty of options in Williamsburg as well. You may want to stay over October 19th because...
Please be on the lookout for another email outlining events on October 20th.
