Cover photo:

Welcome to the special Bulletin "The Year in Pictures"! This collection of photos showcases the incredible events we were a part of throughout 2023. It truly was a year filled with memorable moments! We hope you take the time to browse through these pictures, perhaps by a cozy fireplace with a glass of bubbly during the upcoming holidays.

We have so much to be proud of for what we achieved in the past twelve months. None of it would have been possible without your support. We are also grateful for the warm friendship and cooperation from like-minded patriotic and historical associations. To everyone involved, we want to express our deepest gratitude.

At the American Society of Le Souvenir Français, we always remember the debt we owe to our forebears who fought side-by-side for the freedom of both the United States and France or who accomplished great deeds in America. You can rely on us to continue honoring their memories in the months and years ahead!

Once again, thank you. We send our best wishes to you, your families, and friends for the upcoming New Year. May it bring you joy, peace, good health, and prosperity!

• On Sunday, May 7, 2023, our Society was honor to attend the annual celebration of the "French Alliance Day" held at Valley Forge, PA. at the invitation of the Washington Memorial Heritage. For the fascinating history of "French Alliance Day", click on the photos above or https://conta.cc/3a6pjvm 

• Our special thanks to Father Tommy Thompson. Rector, Pat Nogar, Rector's Warden, Washington Memorial Chapel, David Lauhoff, President, & Gardiner Pearson, Past President, Washington Memorial Heritage, Lanny R. Patten, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and all members of patriotic associations for their kind invitation and warm welcome.

Eglise de Notre-Dame 405 West 114th Street, New York, NY 10025

• On Sunday, May 7, The Federation of French War Veterans gathered at the Church of Notre Dame to attend the annual mass celebrated by Rev. Peter A. Heasley, Pastor in honor of all those who fought and died for France. General Vincent de Kytspotter, Head of Military and Defense Mission at the French Permanent Mission to the United Nations and Lieutenant-Colonel, US Army Dionysios Dionou-Weiss laid a wreath honoring the 463 French and American conscripts and volunteers from New York who "Died for France" in two world wars, whose names are inscribed in marble plates on the wall.

• Susan Seal, president of the Friends of Odell House - Rochambeau Headquarters and husband David, who work tirelessly with Board members to complete this monumental task. Raphaël de Gouberville, direct descendant of Rochambeau, honored us with his presence. A detailed narration of the encampments of the French Army led by General Rochambeau has been released on a free app downloadable on your smartphone TravelStorysGPS: The episodes Follow the French, sponsored by Friends of Odell House, can be downloaded at https://travelstorys.com/tours/follow-the-french

• That same day, at noon, Lynn Briggs, Chair, New York State Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Organization, hosted an important event at the Grange at Yorktown, NY, the site of the encampment of the French Army. Many re-enactors were present, from Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and of course Rochambeau. The Grange was packed when General Vincent de Kytspotter delivered a riveting exposé on Rochambeau and the several "miracles" that allowed the United States to obtain their independence. We are grateful to Susan and David Seal, and Lynn Briggs for their warm welcome and look forward to many years of close cooperation.

March from the Armory on Park Avenue, and wreath laying in front of the 107th Infantry Regiment monument, by Brigadier General Thomas Principe.

• We were honored to be invited by Brig. General Thomas J. Principe, president of the Veterans of the Seventh Regiment to lay a wreath at the Seventh Regiment/107th Infantry Regiment Memorial Fifth Avenue & 67th Street. Our 1st Vice-President, LCL(R) Patrick du Tertre, also President of the ACREFEU (French Reserve Officers Association in the United States) & co-president of TheFrenchWillNeverForget, who gave a stirring and emotional testimony of the deep gratitude of the French people for the Americans who fought for their freedom twice in two world wars.

• On Thursday, July 13, 2023 the French General Consulate and the Committee of French-Speaking associations in New York (CAFUSA) celebrated the French National Holiday of 14-Juillet at Central Park with a concert, preceded by a musical introduction by the Cadets Lafayette and the presence of the Federation of French War Veterans.

Watch the video: "The French are coming!"

• On Saturday, July 15th, a beautiful wreath-laying ceremony was held in Newport, R.I. in front of the statue of Rochambeau and the monument to the French fleet, to commemorate the arrival on July 13, 1780 of 6,000 French soldiers and dozens of warships to help the United States win the War of Independence. The ceremony was sponsored by the Alliance Française of Newport, who renovated the statue this past decade. The event was organized under the auspices of the National Park Service, the Newport Historical Society, the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route association, in the presence of the Mayor and many distinguished guests and re enactors from several patriotic associations.

• Our thanks to Ruth S. Taylor, Executive Director, Elizabeth Sullock, Director of Public Programs, Newport Historical Society, Johnny Carawan, Trail Administrator, National Park Service, Larry Abell, Chairman of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (W3R-US), Charlotte Johnson, Trinity Church historian for your welcome and support.

Villa Albertine, 972 Fifth Avenue between 79th & 78th Street, New York, NY

Abingdon Elementary School Park, 7087 Powhatan Dr, Hayes, VA 23072

• On Wednesday October 18th we proudly unveiled two interpretive markers telling the important story of the Duc de Lauzun and his Legion of hussars at the Battle of the Hook.

Our special thanks to Brigadier General Vincent de Kytspotter, Ph.D., Head of Military and Defense Mission, French Permanent Mission to the United Nations for delivering the keynote address, to Dr. Robert A. Selig, Ph.D., who wrote the text of the markers, to Robert Kelly, Jr. Vice President, American Friends of Lafayette for his decisive role in the entire project and for the organization of this dedication, to Lawrence Abell and Ellen von Karajan, respectively Chairman and Executive Director of the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association, who generously donated the markers' frames, to P.J. Lambert and Warren Deal for their extensive contacts and constant support, and to Nicole Yancey, former Consul of France in Virginia, and Regional Delegate of Le Souvenir Français in Virginia. And our special thanks to celebrated historian, actor and re-enactor Mark Schneider for an unforgettable rendition of a Lauzun's hussard in period uniform.

Wreath-laying at the French Cemetery & the French Memorial Monument

Celebration at the Monument to the Alliance and Victory

• On Wednesday, October 19, we celebrated the 242nd anniversary of the combined French-American victory in Yorktown, Virginia, which led to the Independence of the United States. The new French General Consul in Washington, Mme Caroline Monvoisin, reminded the audience of the crucial role of France in helping the United States win its independence.

• Special thanks to Chuck Schwam, COO of the American Friends of Lafayette, who was the Master of Ceremony at the French Cemetery, to Richard Azzaro, and Lonny LeGrand, respectively past President & co-founder and current President of the Society of Honor Guard, tomb of Unknown Soldier, who laid a "Never Forget" bouquet of white roses at the Gloucester markers and the French Cemetery in Yorktown.

• On Saturday, October 21, we were honored to participate again this year in this commemoration. Our thanks to James Kaplan, Chairman of Lower Manhattan Historical Association, Peter C. Hein, Ambrose Richardson, respectively President and General Secretary of the Sons of Revolution, for their invitation and welcome.

• On Saturday October 21, our Society, represented by COL Stanislas de Magnienville, LT Pierre Benoit, and its president Thierry Chaunu, was honored to be invited to join the annual gala dinner of the 369th Sustainement Brigade, New York National Guard. Thierry Chaunu recalled the history of this famed regiment, the most storied Black unit of WWI, who fought under French uniform, and was made an "Honorary Hell Fighter". Our next February 2024 Bulletin will pay tribute to this legendary unit in honor of "Black History Month". Our thanks to LTC Peter N Fish, MD, COL Patrick G Clare, LTC, R CSM Jones Laylan, LG David M Myones, US Army NG NYARNG all the officers and soldiers of the Brigade for their comradely welcome.

at Châlons-en-Champagne

Exhibition at the Mémorial de Verdun - Champ de Bataille, October 1-9, 2023. Photos above courtesy of Mme Amélie Delobel, Head of Collections and Exhibitions. Exhibition at the Château de Castries, Rue du Château, 34160 Castries, France - October 10-25, 2023. Photos above courtesy of Brigitte van den Hove-Smith, Regional Delegate of our Society for the SouthEast. 

• Our Society worked hand-in-hand with Richard Azzaro, co-Founder and past President of the Society of Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Donna Houle, Senior Director of Memorial Engagement & Impact at the Military Women's Memorial to have this very moving and informative exhibition travel to France relating the History of the US Unknown Soldier.

We express our gratitude to CGA(2S) Serge Barcellini, Président-Général du Souvenir Français and all team Members at the Headquarters of Le Souvenir Français in Paris for hosting and facilitating this touring exhibition in France, to Général d'armée Elrick Irastorza, former Chief of Staff of the French Army, président of the Fondation du Souvenir de Verdun, to Mr. Nicolas Barret, Director, and Mme Amélie Delobel, responsable collections et expositions at the Mémorial de Verdun - Champ de Bataille, Mr. Pierre-Marie Delaborde, General Delegate of Le Souvenir Français for the Marne Dept., Dr. Patrick Bernier and Jacques Fournier of the Amis du Château de Castries for hosting this exhibition illustrating the enduring bonds of alliance and friendship between France and the United States. Our thanks go also to Col US Air Force (Ret) Pierre Oury, member of our Society, United 4 Veterans, and United Airlines for transporting the 26 paintings to France graciously across the Atlantic, and to Jean-François Millet, chairman of Logfret Logistics Group for graciously providing domestic transportation in France.

• On Saturday, November 4, 2023 the Federation of French War Veterans honored their comrades who fought in WW1 and WWII, the Indochina War, the Algerian War and the battles in Tunisia and Morocco as well as 25 French sailors who died in New York in 1918.

• As every year, a tribute was rendered to French soldiers buried in Providence, R.I on Sunday November 5th. We express our gratitude to Le Régiment Bourbonnais, the Second Rhode Island Regiment and a group of about 15 Sons of the American Revolution, Rhode Island chapter. Our gratitude to Prof. Desmarais, our Society's Regional Delegate for New England and to all the re-enactors for conducting this ceremony every year. They do not forget and keep the memory alive.

Launch of the Hermione Fund raising appeal!

• In November, our Society kicked-off the US Fund raising campaign to help Save the Hermione and have it sail back in time for the United States Semiquicentennial.

• On Saturday, November 11, Armistice Day (Veterans Day) we participated alongside the Federation of French War Veterans and the ACREFEU to the traditional parade on Fifth Avenue. We were preceded by the Cadets Lafayette marching band. Our special thanks go to Nathalie Yates and Carolyn Casey and all the Scouts of Troop#1 and their parents who carry the two huge US and French flags every year with enthusiasm and dedication. At the French Embassy in Washington D.C., students from the French International School Rochambeau carried the tricolor flag that was entrusted to them last year. Passing the torch to the next generations is an important part of our mission.

Memorial Plaques, Eglise Notre Dame, 405 West 114th St., New York, NY 10025

• On Sunday November 12, 2023 the traditional Mass of the Armistice at the Parish of Notre Dame was celebrated by Father Michael Holleran.

For information on sponsorship, please email nycgala@lafayette200.org

• March 7: fund raising gala at Villa Albertine, NY by the American Friends of Lafayette

• Sunday, May 5: celebration of French Alliance Day at Washington Memorial Chapel, Valley Forge, PA

• Monday, May 27: Memorial Day

• May 23-25: "Operation Miroir" In honor of the 80th Anniversary of

D-Day: Fifty young French students will carry "La Flamme de la Nation" from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris to Arlington National Cemetery

• Tuesday, June 18: Appel du 18-Juin

• Weekend July 12-13-14: annual wreath laying ceremony in front of the Statue of Rochambeau in Newport, R.I., homage at the tombs of Admiral de Ternay, Chevalier Pierre Rousseau de Fayolle, LT Benjamin de la Villemarais at Trinity Churchyard and "Tribute to France"

• Saturday, July 13: Bastille Day celebration in Central Park

• Friday, August 16: Lafayette Farewell Tour Bicentennial Parade on Broadway

• Friday, October 18: stele and boulder with bronze plaque honoring by name the hussars who died at the Battle of Hook, to be installed between our two markers at Abingdon Elementary School park.

• Saturday, October 19: celebration of French-American Victory at Yorktown, dedication of a bronze plaque "“Sailors buried at sea” at the French Memorial

• Sunday, November 10: Annual wreath-laying at the 463 "Morts Pour la France", Notre Dame Church in Manhattan

• Monday, November 11: Veterans Day / Armistice Day, 5th Avenue Parade in NYC, Washington DC, Houston, TX

• Tribute at Varian Fry's grave, Green-Wood cemetery, Brooklyn, NY (Righteous Among the Nations)

• Tribute at Anna Marly's grave, Pioneer cemetery, Palmer, Alaska (composer of Le Chant des Partisans)

• Ceremony at the Texas "Merci train" boxcar at Camp Mabry, Austin, TX

• Ceremony to honor the memory of 8 French Soldiers who are buried by Old St. Peter's Church in Old Hillside Cemetery, Cortlandt, NY

• Re-dedication: La Pérouse Memorial restoration at LaPerouse Bay, Maui, HI

• Dedication of 4 commemorative plaques in honor of the 4 American “Companions de la Libération”: General Dwight D. Eisenhower, John Hasey, James Worden, Jacques Tartière

• Dedication of a bronze plaque honoring "Le Tigre" French prime minister Georges Clemenceau in New York, where he spent four years as a young journalist from 1865-1869

• Dedication of a bronze plaque at Gramercy Park, New York, honoring Varian Fry who lived in Marseilles in 1940 and 1941 and helped many jews escape to America.

• Dedication of the Memorial to 4 soldiers from the Royal-Deux Ponts regiment who are buried in the vicinity of the Odell House – Rochambeau Headquarters

• Other sites of exhibits in France of the touring US Unknown Soldier exhibition in Paris will be announced as they are confirmed.

• Statue of Alexis de Tocqueville, author of the 1835-1840 classic "Democracy in America" (university site TBD)

• Bronze plaque to the memory of 3 soldiers of the Auxonne, Saintonge and Soissonnais regiments who died at West Point in 1782.

• Bust of Antoine de Saint Exupéry at the Intrepid Pier, New York

• Commemoration at Odet Philippe's monument, Philippe's Park, Safety Harbor, FL (Founder of grapefruit industry in Florida)

• Bust of Jean Ribault, site of the Trinity shipwreck, near Cape Canaveral, FL

• Beautification of "Matanzas" marker at the site of Jean Ribault's colony massacre in 1565, Saint Augustine, FL.

Last but not least, we will pursue our national fund-raising campaign in partnership with other US patriotic and cultural organizations to help the frigate Hermione sail again and participate in the upcoming semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the United States.

• To preserve the memory of the French soldiers, sailors and airmen who gave their lives for freedom, and who are buried in the United States.

• To honor French Citizens who did great deeds in the United States, or with a strong connection with the United States, 

• To strengthen the long-standing traditional bonds of friendship between the American and French peoples, and to this end: erect or maintain memorials and monuments and encourage historical research, public presentations and publications in the media. 

Françoise Cestac, Honorary President • Thierry Chaunu, President, and General Delegate, Le Souvenir Français in the United States • Yves de Ternay, Treasurer • Patrick du Tertre, 1st Vice President • Henri Dubarry • Francis Dubois • Alain Dupuis, 2nd Vice President & Deputy General Delegate, Le Souvenir Français in the United States • Daniel Falgerho, General Secretary • Pierre Gervois • Caroline Lareuse • Clément Mbom, Education Advisor • Jean-Hugues Monier, Auditor • Harriet Saxon • Nicole Yancey

Jacques Besnainou, Great Lakes and Midwest • Bruno Cateni, South

Prof. Norman Desmarais, New England • Alain Leca, Washington D.C. •

Marc Onetto, West Coast • Brigitte Van den Hove – Smith, Southeast • Nicole Yancey, Yorktown & Virginia, former Honorary Consul of France in Virginia

Email: tchaunu@SouvenirFrancaisUSA.org Tel: (212) 847-1371