The Society of the Sons of the Revolution in the State of Maryland was privileged on September 21, 2023 to participate in in a multinational celebration of our Nation’s first alliance on the grounds of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. On that date in 1781, French forces under the command of General Rochambeau, encamped on what are now the grounds of the Naval Academy, embarked on fifteen ships of the French fleet under Admiral de Grasse for passage south to join the siege of Yorktown.
Following a spirited rendition of La Marseillaise by the Naval Academy Primary School and the playing of the National Anthem by the U.S Naval Academy Band, remarks were made by the Consul General of France, a representative of the Acting Superintendent of the Naval Academy, and the President of the Naval Academy French Club.
Following a spirited rendition of La Marseillaise by the Naval Academy Primary School and the playing of the National Anthem by the U.S Naval Academy Band, remarks were made by the Consul General of France, a representative of the Acting Superintendent of the Naval Academy, and the President of the Naval Academy French Club.
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Celebrating along with the Maryland Society were the Consul General of the French Embassy, French and American Naval Officers, Midshipmen from the Naval Academy, French Officers from NATO, Representatives from the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, Children of the American Revolution, the Society of the Cincinnati, as well as other Societies related to French and American Heritage.
Wreaths were presented by the various organizations in attendance, including one from the Sons of the Revolution in the State of Maryland, presented by our President, Thomas Hosford.
Wreaths were presented by the various organizations in attendance, including one from the Sons of the Revolution in the State of Maryland, presented by our President, Thomas Hosford.
Of note, on the nearby grounds of St John’s College, the Sons of the Revolution had presented, decades ago, a monument in memory of the French soldiers and sailors fallen in the cause of our independence and had celebrated that alliance yearly. We hope to renew commemorations there upon the completion of projects on the St John’s Campus.
