The American Society of Le Souvenir Français Inc.

SPECIAL EDITION BULLETIN

Lafayette in Williamsburg, VA

November 2024

Photo above: ©2024 The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour

Visits Williamsburg, VA

College of William & Mary

Earl Gregg Swem Library, Special Collections Lobby

400 Landrum Drive

Williamsburg, VA 23186

November 1-30 2024 @ 10:00 am–5:00 pm

Visit the Special Collections Research Center in Swem Library until November 15 to see the honorary diploma that William & Mary awarded to the Marquis de Lafayette on October 20, 1824. The diploma is on view along with letters, documents, and images relating to Lafayette’s service in Virginia during the American Revolution and his return visit to Virginia in 1824 on his national tour. In addition to its regular hours, Monday-Friday 10-5 pm, Special Collections will be open on Saturday-Sunday, 10-3 pm for exhibit viewing until November 10. For more information on the exhibit and related events, go to https://libraries.wm.edu/exhibits/lafayette-here

The honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree presented to the Marquis de Lafayette in 1824 is on loan from the Chambrun Foundation who preserves and maintains Lafayette’s estate, Chateau de Lagrange, and its archives. The display of the document coincides with the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of commemorate Lafayette's visit to Williamsburg during his 1824-1825 tour.

The exhibit also features items from William & Mary Libraries' Special Collections Research Center related to Lafayette: letters, documents, images, and ephemera concern Lafayette’s role in the Virginia Campaign of 1781 during the American Revolution, his visit to Virginia during his tour of the United States in 1824-1825, and James Armistead Lafayette, the enslaved spy who provided immeasurable support to the Continental Army during the Virginia campaign.

The Montpelier Steeplechase Races

November 2nd 

Above: General Lafayette (Mark Schneider) and his horse Ajax by photographer Carlo La Fiandra

The Montpelier Steeplechase Races 

November 2nd

Montpelier Hunt Races

11407 Constitution Highway

Montpelier Station, Virginia 22957

https://www.montpelierraces.org/events#horserace

American Friends of Lafayette members, Steve and Marietta Madden invite you to join them at the 88th running of the Montpelier Steeplechase Races this year.

The theme for the tailgate contest will be French!

This year the Marquis de Lafayette (Mark Schneider) has been asked to ride around the track to meet and greet race goers. He will also be a Judge for the Ladies Hat Contest after the second race.

The purpose of this day is to promote awareness of Lafayette and the Bicentennial of his Farewell Tour visit to the area. Not only will Lafayette be riding in the morning to meet and greet, but the American Friends of Lafayette will have educative traveling panels on display at the race display tent. This will be an excellent venue to talk with many people about Lafayette. Attendance is usually around 18,000 people!

Gates open at 9:00am and the last race is at 4:30pm.

All you need to do is go online and purchase a General Admission ticket Race Day Prices: General Parking $40, Infield Parking $120, General Admission $30. You can buy those tickets at this link:  https://www.montpelierraces.org/buy-tickets.

This year’s tailgating theme, in honor of General Lafayette’s visit is “La Cuisine Francaise, Bon Appetit!” 

https://www.montpelierraces.org/news/tailgate-with-french-flair

Zoom Lecture in Slow French Part 2 —

From the French Revolution to the Empire

November 6, 2024

Le Cercle Francophone: 

Les trois vies du Marquis de La Fayette 

by Eric Simonis

November 6, 2024 @ 2:00 pm–3:00 pm

Virtual Event

FREE

Returning as a hero to America after the great adventure of the War of Independence, Lafayette is confronted with the horrors of the French Revolution. He fights for his ideals of liberty and for the advent of a parliamentary monarchy that will not see alas not the day. After long years of imprisonment and exile, he must face a new situation in France: the Consulate then the Empire. Little by little, he detached himself from the strong man of the moment: Napoleon Bonaparte.

The lectures are free, they last about 50 minutes, and are in slow French (so it would require at least an intermediate level to be able to follow the talk).

Website:

https://philaathenaeum.org/event-detail/?event_id=21745

A native of the Lorraine region, Eric Simonis settled in Philadelphia in 1990. As a veteran expert in the hospitality industry, he taught at Walnut Hill College. In 2017, Eric launched ouifrenchphila where he is a private French language instructor. His professional experience also includes six years of tutoring at The Wharton School of Business, preparing students for their Oral Proficiency Interviews. He appears monthly at The Athenaeum of Philadelphia where he leads “Le Cercle Francophone d’Histoire”, a group that combines love of the French language and of history. Eric lectures in slow French about a variety of themes that define French culture, human and intellectual achievements. In his upcoming talks, he will speak about the life of Gilbert du Motier, the famous Marquis de La Fayette!

esimonis@ouifrenchphila.com

Lafayette visits Orange, Virginia

November 14, 2024

Photo above: By Scooteristi - https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77102653

The James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage

129 Caroline Street, Orange, VA 22960

November 14, 2024

This day will be open to the public and American Friends of Lafayette members. All events except the winery will be in downtown Orange.

* James Madison Museum – tour of museum & Lafayette artifacts display

* Walking tour of Historic downtown Orange including Lafayette points of interest.

* Select your place of choice for lunch in downtown Orange. 

* Talk by John Maass, Ph.D., National Museum of the United States Army, Belvoir Virginia. “Lafayette’s 1781 Military Campaign in Central Virginia”. The event will be held at the Orange Community Center. 

* Travel to sites of Lafayette’s 1781 Military campaign and other historic significance en route to the event at MerrillAnne Winery located on Marquis Rd. Relax and join in on the trivia games with the Orange County Historical Society about Orange County and Lafayette. Enjoy a wine tasting featuring their delicious ‘Marquis Rouge’.

https://www.thejamesmadisonmuseum.net/event-details/lafayette-200-event-full-series 

Guided Walking Tour of Orange & James Madison Museum 

9:30am

Meet at Historic Orange Courthouse - Stop #15 in the Central Virginia Lafayette Travel Log at Lafayette200.org

Treat yourself to a guided tour of a quaint town, steeped in history. Starting with a presentation at the Orange Courthouse ca. 1854 near the original courthouse stop on Lafayette’s Farewell Tour, we will then travel up main street ending with a chance to view the Houdon bust of Lafayette at the Orange County Historical Society. Then we will enjoy several displays at the James Madison Museum.  The Museum features four permanent exhibit rooms, the "Presidents Room", "Black History Room", "Pre-Contact and Native Americans Room", and "Hall of Agriculture and Transportation". The rotational exhibit room will feature a Lafayette exhibit.

Price: $15 includes Guided Walking Tour and Museum Admission. Afterwards, purchase lunch at one of many restaurants in Downtown Orange - browse the art galleries and shops after lunch as time allows. List provided during walking tour. Click link below to register.

Lecture “Lafayette in Virginia, 1781”      

1:00pm

Orange County Community Center in downtown Orange

We’re very excited to have John R. Maass, PhD of  The National Museum of the United States Army presenting a lecture detailing “Lafayette in Virginia, 1781” with a focus of Lafayette’s time in Orange County and nearby areas. We will end with a Q&A session and his book, “The Road to Yorktown, Jefferson, Lafayette and the British Invasion of Virginia” will also be available. Click link below to register.

Lafayette/Orange County Trivia Fun 

3:00pm

Chateau MerrillAnne Winery

At the conclusion of the lecture, we will share maps of the area with Lafayette markers and sites of interest. Some of these are located on the way to our next event located at Chateau MerrillAnne Winery. This winery in located on Marquis Road - yes, named for Lafayette’s troop march in June 1781 to cut off Cornwallis’s advance west. The proprietor is a history buff and will share his ‘Marquis Rouge’ with us. Join the local Orange County Historical Society with a challenge for what we have learned, know and need to know via a fun trivia session.

Price: $10 includes Lecture and Winery Event. Wine tasting to be purchased as preferred individually. Complementary food provided by Orange County Historical Society.

Register for this day on the Events page on the James Madison Museum’s website: CLICK HERE

Lafayette at University of Virginia

November 15, 2024

Photo above: the Rotunda, University of Virginia, by Aaron Josephson - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1875237

Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour 

Lafayette Visits the University of Virginia

November 15, 2024

In November 1824, shortly after arriving to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson and “committee” escorted Lafayette to visit Jefferson’s new Academical Village, the University of Virginia. They arrived to much fanfare at the Central Hotel in downtown Charlottesville where a reception was prepared for Lafayette before he was paraded to the University grounds. Friday morning we will welcome Lafayette to Charlottesville in like manner at the Alliance Francaise of Charlottesville, only blocks from where the Central Hotel was located.

November 15, 2024 - 10:00am - 11:00am

FREE - no RSVP needed

We will participate in this welcome from 10:00-11:00. Wrapped around this ceremony is a French Breakfast hosted by the Alliance Francaise members and Guided walking tours of Historic Downtown. Somewhat limited in capacity, we have an early tour before Lafayette’s arrival and a later tour after the ceremony, each with the corresponding breakfast option. If you prefer a more leisurely morning, there will be self-guided tour brochures available. The Downtown Mall is an open air pedestrian mall with bookstores, shops and cafes and this is where the suggested nearby parking garage is located. After the Friday morning events you are free to grab lunch at the downtown mall - some suggestions are The Nook, Citizen Burger or The Whiskey Jar...

French Breakfast/Guided walking Tours

The Alliance Francaise of Charlottesville would like you to join them for a French Breakfast before we welcome Lafayette to Charlottesville. Assorted French pastries with beverages will be served. Director Murielle de Wekker and her members will provide entertainment as we enjoy our start to the day.

Explore the historic downtown area of Charlottesville with a tour by the Programs Director of the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society! This forty five minute tour is packed with familiar Revolutionary War figures to include their local roles as well as Lafayette connections. 

Choose One Option:

Option A: 8:00am Breakfast - 9:00 Historic Downtown Tour

Price: $20 includes both French Breakfast and Historic Downtown Tour which ends in time for Lafayette’s welcome ceremony. 

Option B: 9:15am Breakfast - 11:00am Historic Downtown Tour

Price: $20 includes both French Breakfast and Historic Downtown Tour. Breakfast is before the welcome ceremony and the Historic Downtown Tour would start after ceremony. 

University of Virginia - walking tour

580 Massie Road

Charlottesville, Virginia 22903

* Walking tour of the old historical part of Charlottesville by the Programs Manager of the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society.  

* View a Special Collections exhibit of Lafayette items. 

* Talk by a University Professor focusing on “Jefferson and Lafayette”. 

*Join us as we tour the University of Virginia Grounds featuring buildings that Jefferson designed for his new university. 

Register here for walking tour: https://friendsoflafayette.wildapricot.org/event-5902369?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=11/11/2024

University of Virginia - Panel Lecture and Discussion

Friday November 15 at 2:00pm

Small Special Collections Library 

170 McCormick Rd

We have two fabulous speakers who will each present a short focused talk about their favorites subjects, and then take questions from the audience:

Sara Bon-Harper is the Executive Director of James Monroe’s Highland in Albemarle County, Virginia. Utilizing her Ph.D. in Anthropology, her work emphasizes academic initiatives. Research she initiated recently discovered the archaeological remains of the Monroes' main house and opened a new chapter of site interpretation. "An Attachment Preserved Ever Afterwards: James Monroe, Lafayette, and Connections Forged in Battle" will be her focus.

Our second speaker, Rick Britton, is an award-winning historian specializing in 18th- and 19th-century Virginia history. The author of three books and over 200 articles, Rick also conducts tours, illustrates maps for history books, and is a frequent lecturer on a wide range of Virginia history topics. "The Marquis de Lafayette at the University of Virginia" will be his focus.

Price: $10 

Register here for talk and grounds: https://friendsoflafayette.wildapricot.org/event-5902384?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=11/11/2024

President’s Weekend begins: University of Virginia - Rotunda Dome

1826 University Ave

Charlottesville, Virginia 22904

November 15, 2024 @ 7:00 pm–9:00 pm

Opening Reception: Friday evening, help us recreate the festive gathering in the Rotunda with Lafayette and Jefferson. We will be toasting, hearing speeches, feasting, and maybe singing. There will be much gaiety and period flair in the atmosphere! This will also be a “souvenir” event and a chance to wear your period attire if desired. This event is included in the President’s Weekend Pass and will feature heavy Hors d’oeuvres, an opening bubbly for toast, and plenty of selections.

Register here: https://friendsoflafayette.wildapricot.org/event-5902487?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=11/11/2024

In November 1824, shortly after arriving to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson and “committee” escorted Lafayette to visit Jefferson’s new Academical Village, the University of Virginia. After a tour of the grounds, Lafayette was welcomed to a grand dinner in the not yet completed Rotunda Dome. It was attended by 400 men and over 32 toasts were offered and was quite a grand affair.

On the Friday evening of November 15^th, we invite you to help us recreate the festive gathering in the Rotunda with Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison and some local 1824 dignitaries. This is an excellent time to wear your period attire and add to the historical atmosphere! We will raise our glasses to toasts, hear speeches, feast on hors d’oeuvres, enjoy Lafayette music and raise our voices in singing! There will be much gaiety and period flair in the atmosphere as we celebrate and commemorate Lafayette’s visit of 200 years ago.

The program starts with a flirtatious greeting by the Ladies in the Balcony as Lafayette enters the hall with Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Then just as 200 years ago, Wm Gordon will welcome Lafayette and the evening of history begins! Raise your glass to Lafayette! To the Constitution! To Madison! To Jefferson’s new university! To George Washington! To our Republic! To France! Listen to Jefferson’s heartfelt speech to Lafayette and the tears that are to follow!

The evening starts promptly at 7:00, but as you always do for General Lafayette, please arrive a few minutes early.

Illustration above: https://dolleypmadison.com/NewsAndEvents.php

Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour 

Visits James Madison’s Montpelier, VA

November 16, 2024

Breakfast at the The Lafayette Inn

146 Main St, Stanardsville, Virginia 22973

This jam-packed day starts with the option of a delicious breakfast at The Lafayette Inn in Stanardsville, Va. While enjoying your breakfast, a local historian will relate the history of the Inn. After breakfast, we will head east to James Madison’s home, Montpelier, for the day. 

* Witness the arrival of General Lafayette escorted by Gov James Barbour in his horse-drawn carriage. James and Dolly Madison are eager to greet the “Guest of the Nation” to their home!

* Enjoy a tour of James and Dolly Madison’s mansion

* James Madison and Lafayette will entertain you with lively discussions of their time.

* There will be time to wander and explore your interests, whether it be the gardens, the cemetery, the enslaved community’s quarters, the new archaeological projects in progress or the gift shop. A box lunch will be provided today as part of admission. 

* Tour the Dupont Museum, a family so crucial to the preservation of Montpelier. 

Late Saturday afternoon we will leave Montpelier and travel over to Governor Barbour’s home. It is in ruins but you can still tell who designed it. Gov Barbour will be home to welcome Lafayette. We will tour the ruins and grounds before departing. 

* For those who enjoy wine, and we are in wine country, you can reserve a spot at an exclusive wine tasting in the Octagon Barrel room at Barboursville Winery. You guessed it – where the ruins of Gov Barbour’s home are. The winery has a nice display of Gov Barbour that once seen, you understand why he became good friends with Lafayette.

Register for breakfast: https://friendsoflafayette.wildapricot.org/event-5902397?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=11/11/2024

Register for Montpelier: https://friendsoflafayette.wildapricot.org/event-5903594?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=11/11/2024

Register for wine tasting: https://friendsoflafayette.wildapricot.org/event-5902401?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=11/11/2024

Lafayette’s Arrival at James Madison’s Montpelier

Saturday Nov 16, 10:00am - 3:00pm

11350 Constitution Highway

Montpelier Station, Virginia 22957

You may have been to Montpelier before, but today will be so special. We start our day by joining President James Madison and his wife, Dolley as they welcome General Lafayette who will be arriving in a horse drawn carriage escorted by Gov. James Barbour.

• Their most knowledgeable staff will welcome us into their home and talk about each room, the history and the friendship with Lafayette.
• After touring their home, you will have a chance to see the areas “behind the scenes” at your own pace exhibited below the house.
• Also at your leisure, a box lunch will be reserved for you to enjoy at the visitors center.
• Can you find time to visit the DuPont Formal Garden, “The Mere Distinction of Colour” exhibition, the Landmark Forest, the Madison family cemetery and newly discovered enslaved community cemetery on property, the DuPont Museum, and the wonderful gift shop!?
• All this before 2:00pm as you will not want to miss General Lafayette’s and James Madison’s ”Conversations on Current Issues We Face (in 1824)” in the Grand Salon. I say accept my challenge and say “YES”!

Price: $90

Lafayette in Monticello, VA.

November 17, 2024

Photo above: TC© ASSFI 2018

Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour

Visits Monticello (VA)

November 17, 2024

Boyd Tavern

1890 Union Mills Road

Troy, Virginia 22974

November 17, 2024, 8:00am - 9:15am

Our day will start by meeting Lafayette on his journey from Richmond to Monticello at nearby Old Boyd Tavern, 1890 Union Mills Road, Troy VA. Watch as William Cabell Rives greets Lafayette on behalf of Albemarle County.

In June 1781, the Marquis de Lafayette visited the Ordinary when he and his regiment were camped nearby during their campaign to block British forces under Cornwallis. General Lafayette returned to Boyd Tavern during his Farewell Tour on November 4th, 1824. He arrived at Boyd Tavern, which was near the Fluvanna County line, to be greeted by the Committee of Arrangements from Albemarle County. After the welcome speeches, they moved inside the tavern to dine. Then Lafayette was escorted up the mountain to Monticello.

Come witness Wm Cabell Rives welcome General Lafayette as in 1824 before he heads up the mountain to Monticello. After the ceremony, Boyd Tavern which is now a private home, will be open for a continental breakfast and tours. Then we will follow Lafayette and head up to Monticello (15 minute drive) for our wonderful day with Thomas Jefferson and Lafayette.

Then, we will follow Lafayette up the mountain on the same route he took 200 years ago to Monticello. We will take this day to explore all Monticello has to offer. Lunch will be at your own convenience on-site or slip out for a few moments for lunch at Michie Tavern. 

*We will tour the mansion with an emphasis on Lafayette’s friendship with Thomas Jefferson. 

* The memorable greeting between Jefferson and Lafayette will be recreated. 

* Monticello historian J Jefferson Looney of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc. will share more insight from Jefferson’s and Lafayette’s letters of correspondence.

* There will be special interpretations for this bicentennial time by the Monticello staff including French lessons, wine tastings, and special exhibits.

* Visit the cemetery where Jefferson is buried. Tour the gardens Jefferson spent years compiling data. Walk along Mulberry Row where the workings of his plantation happened. 

Price: $52 - To be given a House tour time slot with the group you must register here or with the American Friends of Lafayette correspondence. Lunch is not included but there are ample options on site to choose from.

Register for Monticello tour: https://friendsoflafayette.wildapricot.org/event-5903599?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=11/11/2024

Sunday, November 17, 2024

5:30pm - 8:00pm

Michie Tavern

683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA

For those staying over Sunday night to head home on Monday, we will have an optional private dinner at Michie Tavern with hearty food and fun entertainment.

Register for dinner:

https://friendsoflafayette.wildapricot.org/event-5902414?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=11/11/2024

Lafayette at Fredericksburg

November 23-24, 2024

Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour 

Visits Fredericksburg, VA

November 23 - 24, 2024

Fredericksburg Area Museum

907 Princess Anne Street

Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401

November 23, 2024

The Fredericksburg Lafayette Bicentennial Committee welcomes you to George Washington’s hometown and site of the James Monroe Presidential Library and Museum. Fredericksburg is known for its authenticity and our commemoration of General Lafayette’s November 1824 visit is based on the detailed account contained in “Reception of General Lafayette in Fredericksburg”, by Rufus B. Merchant.

10:00am – 1:00pm: Market Square Reception and Old Town Hall Receiving Line

@ Market Square and Fredericksburg Area Museum, 907 Princess Anne Street

Fredericksburg civic and military officials, cadets and local veterans gather to greet Lafayette, who arrives in a horse drawn carriage along with his fellow travelers. The entourage forms on Caroline Street and advances up the alley, arriving at Market Square. The Mayor, City Council and others offer welcoming greetings. Period music and a festive atmosphere set the celebratory tone for the General’s stay. Later, in the Fredericksburg Area Museum (Town Hall in 1824), Gen. Lafayette greets visitors who queue up to shake his hand. The Museum also offers its keystone exhibit “Lafayette’s World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom.”

1:00pm – 4:00pm: Tours of Fredericksburg, Highlighting Venues of Lafayette’s Visit

@ Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. (HFFI), Market Square, 907 Princess Anne Street

HFFI tour guides offer free, 20-minute walking tours along the streets of Fredericksburg, following the footsteps of Lafayette’s historic visit. See the parade route, homes where he dined, and public buildings he visited. Learn about Lafayette’s close friendships with George Washington and James Monroe. Tours leave from Market Square every thirty minutes; no registration needed. Repeated on Sunday.

1:00pm – 4:00pm: Tours of Masonic Lodge No. 4

@ 803 Princess Anne Street.

Tour George Washington’s Mother Lodge for an exploration of this historic fraternity’s importance to Gen. Lafayette, himself a Freemason. Tours are available until 4 on both days, with artifacts on display such as the original punch bowl used to celebrate the occasion. This event is free and open to all. Donations to the Lodge are accepted. Local organizations are welcome to reserve a table in the Baker Room by contacting secretary@masoniclodge4.org. Repeated on Sunday. 

https://allevents.in/fredericksburg/brother-lafayette-bicentennial-commemoration-weekend/200027404896804

6:00pm – 9:00pm The Lafayette Ball (this is a ticketed event)

@ Rappahannock Ballroom, University of Mary Washington Alumni Executive Center, 1119 Hanover Street

The Fredericksburg Sister City Association (Fredericksburg and Frejus, France) hosts a ball honoring Gen. Lafayette. Members of the Regency Society of Virginia perform nineteenth century English country dances to period music. Music of the Regiment, a musical ensemble focusing on nineteenth century compositions, presents musical interludes. Ball attendees are welcome to come in period or modern formal attire and to join in the historic performance. Finger foods and libations are offered, and conversation with the General and his entourage is encouraged. Purchase tickets at www.fredericksburgfrejus.com/lafayette-lecture-donations 

Become a member of the American Friends of Lafayette to be the first to know when registration opens!

November 24, 2024

10:00am – 11:30am: General Lafayette’s Masonic Welcome

@ Masonic Lodge No. 4, 803 Princess Anne Street

At 10, experience a recreation of Lafayette’s 1824 visit, during which he was made an honorary Lodge member. The event includes historic speeches and a unique ceremony.

Tours will be available until 4pm on both days, with artifacts on display such as the original punch bowl used to celebrate the occasion. This event is free and open to all. Donations to the Lodge are accepted. Local organizations are welcome to reserve a table in the Baker Room by contacting secretary@masoniclodge4.org

12:00pm – 1:00pm: Historic Church Service for General Lafayette

@ St. George’s Episcopal Church 905 Princess Anne St. 

Gen. Lafayette and his entourage, along with dignitaries, officials and much of the population of Fredericksburg, attend a church service of prayer and thanksgiving in the General’s honor. The church’s rector, the Rev. Edward McGuire, a fellow Mason, delivers the address. This special service recreates this historic event.

https://friendsoflafayette.wildapricot.org/event-5891224?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=11/29/2024

Organizers

https://fxbg.com/lafayette-commemoration-weekend/

The Fredericksburg Lafayette Bicentennial Committee

The Lafayette Scarf is back!

This 100% silk scarf measures 40'' x 40'' and will sell for $65 (see above). 

Our favorite thing about the scarf is the image of Lafayette and Adrienne in each corner, which allows you to showcase our two heroes when worn (see photo below).

The scarf was designed by yours truly and Stephanie Green.

The design honors some of the personalities and organizations essential to Lafayette throughout his life including George Washington, the Society of the Cincinnati, and the frigate L’Hermione, which carried Lafayette from France to Boston in 1780. The names of the cities and towns visited by Lafayette during his farewell tour are featured on the edges of the scarf.

Proceeds from the scarf will benefit the Bicentennial efforts of the American Friends of Lafayette.

If you would like to order the scarf, please click: HERE The $65 price includes (free) shipping to you.

Thank you and vive Lafayette !! 

Chuck Schwam

Executive Director

Bicentennial Committee Chair

American Friends of Lafayette

Save the Dates!

Upcoming Patriotic events



Save the Dates!

Upcoming Patriotic events in November in New York:

The Federation of French War Veterans, with the participation of the American Society of the Souvenir Français Inc. and Acrefeu (Association of French reserve Officers in the United State), is honored to invite you to the various events that bring us together every year. Here is the program:

Saturday, November 2, 2024 :

10:30 am - Flushing Cemetery - French War Veterans Lot

Wreath-laying ceremony. We will commemorate the memory of all the Veterans buried in the "French War Veterans Lot" and among them the legendary Eugene Bullard, the first African-American pilot combat pilot in history (recognized as such by the US Air Force in 2008), volunteer in the French Army. (Our very first monthly Bulletin paid tribute to him: February 2021:  honoring Eugene Bullard, America's First-ever Black Fighter Pilot

https://conta.cc/3scOXoB (original version in English)

https://conta.cc/2NIjFHJ (version en français)

11:30 am - Cypress Hills National Cemetery - French Sailors Lot

where 25 French Navy sailors who died in 1918 from Spanish flu are buried. They were serving on board three cruisers, Montcalm, Marseillaise, Gloire. Three of them have been repatriated to their families in France. Our flag bearer will be present at both Flushing and Cypress Hills Cemeteries.

Sunday, November 10, 2024:

1:00pm –North Burying Ground, Branch Ave. in Providence, R.I.

Like every year, a tribute will be paid to 25 French Soldiers of Rochambeau by

Le Régiment Bourbonnais, the Second Rhode Island Regiment and a group of about 15 Sons of the American Revolution, Rhode Island chapter will meet

at the North Burial Ground in Providence, RI for a joint ceremony.

Norman Desmarais, member of le Régiment Bourbonnais, and Regional delegate, New England, of the American Society of Le Souvenir Français, will lay a wreath and read the names of the 25 soldiers commemorated by the monument.

For a list of their names, please visit our Honor Roll in the Society's website:

https://souvenirfrancaisusa.org/honor-roll/#providence

Sunday, November 10, 2024:

11:00 am - Armistice Mass at Église Notre Dame, 405 W. 114th St.

Father Michael Holloran will celebrate Mass, with our flag bearers present. After Mass, we'll lay a wreath at the memorial to the dead of the First and Second World Wars, where we'll honor the memory of our departed members, with a specific Tribute to the 28 volunteers of the American Field Service of WWI. We are honored by the presence of Mr. Daniel Obst, Executive Director of AFS Intercultural Programs.

After the traditional group photo, annual Autumn banquet will take place at Le Monde Restaurant (2885 Broadway between 111th and 112th Streets). Price: $100 p.p., to be paid at restaurant.

Monday, November 11, 2024 - Veterans Day

12:30pm - Fifth Avenue, NYC

The Lafayette Cadets marching band will be followed by the Federation, l'Acrefeu (Association des Cadres de Reserve Français aux États-Unis), The American Society of the Souvenir Français Inc. and other French civic associations, notably l'Association des Alsaciens. Marchers are invited to assemble at 11:45AM (in uniform or appropriate civilian attire). For any practical question please contact Alain Dupuis: alaindupuis24@aol.com

Parade departs on Fifth Avenue & 26th Street - The official review/TV stand is located at 26th Street. Parade ends at 45th Street. The Parade will be broadcast live and streamed via WABC. On Parade Day, you will be able to find the latest information and a link to the stream at nycvetsday.org

10:00am - At Merci 40&8 Boxcar by City Hall

1065 Ridgewood Avenue, Holly Hill, FL. 32117

Our Society will join the American Legion Post 120, the City of Holly Hill and Holly Hill Historic Preservation Society, Inc. to celebrate Veterans Day at the Florida Boxcar of the Merci Train and will lay a wreath of Le Souvenir Français.

10:00am in Houston, TX:

Our Society will be represented in the Veterans Parade by Bruno Cateni, Regional Delegate for the South East, along with the French Veterans of Texas and the Texas 40&8 National Association, Merci Train. Several historical French flags which flew over portions of Texas will be displayed with a banner. At the 11th hour on the 11th day, there will be a Moment of Silence in memory of the signing of the Armistice, which ended WWI.

The American Heroes Parade will begin at 11:30 A.M. at Dallas and Bagby, and proceeds east on Dallas, north on Louisiana, west on Walker, south on Smith, west on Lamar, ending on Lamar at Bagby. This parade is open to the public and all are welcomed along the parade route.