June 17 - History Lessons and a Parade
Text and photos by Ralph Nelson, Delaware Society SAR| Return to AMtY index Return to W3R-RI |
Symposium at Brown University:
France and the American Revolution
"French Policy in the Great Wars of Empire",
by Prof. Jeremy Black (Univ. of Exeter -- U.K.)
reminded us to consider the effects of multiple competing political views
within each nation and not simply focus on the actions of the dominant party.
"From Rhode Island to Yorktown: George Washington
and the Forging of the Alliance that Won the Revolutionary War",
by Prof. Edward Lengel (Univ. of Virginia)
noted that Washington believed that a trained army was required
to dislodge the British. He required his offiers to be respectful of
and to learn from the French professionals. Cooperation won the war
after some generals' haughty distain for working with others nearly lost it.
"Beyond Yorktown: from the American Revolution to the French Revolution
with the Veterans of the War of Independence",
by Prof. Marie-Jeanne Rossignol (Univ. of Paris 7 - Denis Diderot)
stated that the French Revolution had different sources of discontent
and found little evidence of significant influence from the American experiences
of the French officers and soldiers who had served under Rocahambeau.
Parade to the Rhode Island State House
for Gov. Carcieri's Review, Ceremony, and Reception
About 50 re-enactors participated in a one-mile march to the State House,
which was led by the Fife and Drum Corps of the Kentish Guards
and the Second Continental Light Dragoons (cavalry and infantry).
Generals Rochambeau and Lafayette came next, followed by units
from the Second Rhode Island Regiment, Newport Artillery, and several
French units: Bourbonnais, Royal Deux Ponts, Soissonais, and Saint Onge.
Also marching were individuals representing the Fifth New York
and the Delaware Continental Regiments and camp followers.
The marchers passed the tents of the living historians, whose colorful flags
attracted many people to enter and to learn about the Reolution.
Colonial ladies, the Second Continental Light Dragoons, and a mixed unit.
Following a cannon salute by the Newport Artillery Company
Gov. Carcieri welcomed the group from the State House steps,
then reviewed the troops, and led the group inside for ceremonies.
The troops filled the second floor of the State House atrium.
After the Alliance Francaise choir sang the national anthems of
the U.S. and France Gov. Carcieri gave certificates of appreciation
to the Scouts who had walked the entire route across Rhode Island.
He also thanked Daniel ("Doc") O'Connell, an adult Scouter,
and Joseph Brearley, a re-enactor in the Second RI Regiment.
Both are SAR members who walked the fifty-mile route with the Scouts.
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