YORKTOWN, VA – VICTORY CELEBRATION OCTOBER 18,19, 2017 – Unveiling of the statue of Lafayette on Water Street, Yorktown – Ballet La Fayette

Yorktown is most famous as the site of the ultimate battle

of the American Revolutionary War

On October 14, 1781: A French column from Rochambeau forces took Redoubt No. 9 and an American column from the Continental Army under General Lafayette took Redoubt No 10. Cornwallis asked for capitulation terms on October 17. After two days of negotiation, the surrender ceremony occurred on October 19. Negotiations between the “United States” and Great Britain began, resulting in the Treaty of Paris of 1783.

ORDRE LAFAYETTE ORDER PROGRAM

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017

 1) 11:00 am, Unveiling of the statue of Lafayette on Water Street, Yorktown

Click on, to enlarge / From L to R; Statue of Count de Grasse, Marquis de La Fayette (the new statue), George Washington

This tribute to Lafayette was made possible by members of the American Friends of Lafayette with special thanks to:

The Celebrate Yorktown Committee of the Yorktown Foundation, The county of York, the Massachusettes Society of the Cincinnati

And the members of the Ordre Lafayette

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1)From LtoR: Johnny Jeulin, Officier Ordre Lafayette, VP Ordre Lafayette Canada, Count Jacques D’Orléans, Dr Gérard Charpentier, Grand-croix Commandeur Ordre Lafayette, President Ordre Lafayette USA and ordre Lafayette Canada, Michèle Vlahos, Chevalier Ordre lafayette, Ambassador ordre Lafayette Boston, & Area, Count de Pusy La Fayette, Commandeur Ordre Lafayette

2) Michèle Vlahos, Gilbert de Pusy La Fayette, Michel Charbonnier Consul General of France – Washington and Gérard Charpentier, Benoit Valdelièvre, Chevalier Ordre Lafayette, Ambassador ordre Lafayette Yorktown & Area

        

1) Gérard Charpentier, Christine Jeannin Chevalier Ordre Lafayette-France and Director of « The ArtisT » 2) Nicole Yancey Past Honorary Consul of France For Virginia, Gérard Charpentier, Johnny Jeulin, Christine Jeannin.

                

1) Gérard Charpentier, Michel Charbonnier               2) The site with the 3 statuesGérard Charpentier, Michel Charbonnier, Chuck Shawn before the adresses

Gérard Charpentier during  his address

                   

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN AND DEAR FRIENDS – GOOD MORNING

It’s a privilege and a great honor for the Ordre Lafayette Order to be here today for the unveiling of the statue of Lafayette the “Hero of Two Worlds” and one of the fathers of the modern democracy on the principles of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

The Ordre Lafayette is an international organization, in France, Europe, USA, and Canada and was established to perpetuate the memory of General Marquis de Lafayette and to encourage and inspire the friendship between, France and USA and globally all the nations.

Between 1778 and 1781 more than 44 000 French soldiers and sailors fought alongside the Insurgents of the 13 colonies, more than 5 000 gave their lives for their independence.

240 years ago here in Yorktown more than 10 000 French soldiers and sailors were engaged in the ultimate battle … speaking English with a French accent… like me! And among them was General Lafayette.

Today, many French people are here for the unveiling of the statue of Lafayette and among them is Gilbert de Pusy La Fayette his descendant

Please welcome him … Thank you

The statue of Lafayette unveiled

Gérard Charpentier, Benoit Valdelièvre, Gilbert de Pusy la Fayette (statues), Michèle Vlahos, Johnny Jeulin Benoit Valdelièvre, Gilbert de Pusy La Fayette, Carmen Ortiz, Michèle Vlahos, Gérard Charpentier

Jacques d’Orléans, Gérard Charpentier (statues) Johnny Jeulin

Gérard Charpentier and statues- from LtoR: De Grasse, La Fayette, Washington.

2) 7:00 pm, Dinner at American Revolution Museum, Yorktown

                1.D:Nicole Yancey, Gérard Charpentier, Jacques d’Orléans

2.G: Bernard Guet Chevalier Ordre Lafayette Ambassador Ordre Lafayette  for Philadelphia & area, Gérard Charpentier, Gilbert de Pusy La Fayette, Michèle Vlahos, Jacques d’Orléans

                  1.D) Bernard Guet and his wife, Gérard Charpentier     2.G) Johnny Jeulin, Jacques d’Orléans

« Ordre Lafayette Table » Fanny and Benoit Valdelièvre, Carmen Ortiz, Michèle Vlahos, Gérard Charpentier, Gilbert de Pusy La Fayette, Johnny Jeulin, Jacques d’Orléans

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017

1) 8:45 am, Wreath laying at the « French Cemetery », Yorktown

« This simple cross is thought to mark the burial place of about 50 unidentified French soldiers killed during the Siege of Yorktown »

                

                

2) 10:30 am, Parade on Main Street, Yorktown

               Gérard Charpentier, Benoit Valdelièvre with the dancers of « The ArtisT » troupe from France – Performing the « La Fayette Ballet ».

                

                

3) 11:30 am, Official Ceremony at the Monument to Alliance and Victory, Yorktown

                  

                  

4) 12:30 pm, Reception at DAR Custom House Garden, Main Street, Yorktown

 

Lunch time in the garden

5) 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm – “La Fayette Choreography”

La Fayette ballet: la tournée US.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWC2kGsbnpc

« Under the Gracious Patronage of the Ordre Lafayette in the USA and the Ordre Lafayette in Canada » at University Theater 4608 Hampton Blvd. Norfolk Va.

After the show, a » Commemorative Diploma » is offered by Gérard Charpentier to the members of « The Artists », the members of the Ordre Lafayette and friends.

            

            

            

Followed by “Le verre de l’amitié” with Champagne Lafayette and tasting of the famous « Lafayette Liberty Pie » offered by « Les Moulins La Fayette » of Miami, Florida.

Enjoy!

 THE END!