2019, 20, 21: Items of Memorable Impact 

Links to Events

2019:
Jan 17: CT - Memorial for Charles Riegle
2020:
Mar 15: NY - Supplies in NY
Jul 08: All - Updated French Rosters
Sept 15: All - WARO Foundation Plan
2021:
Aug 14: All - Bicycle-Kayak Tour
Sept 1: PA - Memorial for Kurt Zwickl

Memorial for SAR Liaison Charles Riegle  

On January 17, 2021, Charles W. Riegle passed away in Sarasota FL. He served as a National Trustee (for Connecticut) of the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR). For years he was the chief liaison between the NSSAR and the W3R®-US.


photo courtesy of William Battles, III


Report Emphasizes Need for Supplies 

2020 March 15 -- Dr. Robert A. Selig's report,   The Franco-American Encampment in the Town of Greenburgh, NY. 6 July -- 18 August 1781 (Town of Greenburgh, NY, 2020). is 266 pages with many illustrations and maps. It is available free from www.greenburghny.com

New Rosters of French Officers and Casualties 

On July 8, 2020, some History area pages were updated:

History - Mission - Vision 

2020 Sept 15 the National Park Service published [*] the WARO Foundation Document, which will guide the development of this National Historic Trail.

History
The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail (WARO) is 680 miles in length and comprises a network of roads and waterways used by French forces under Rochambeau and American forces under Washington in the Yorktown Campaign. The route spans nine states and the District of Columbia.

The military, logistical and cultural significance of this march served as a pivotal point in the American Revolutionary War. Without the assistance of thousands of French soldiers and sailors, many of whom gave their lives, the outcome of the war could have been different. Today the route includes many historic sites and scenic byways that are open to the public and important to explaining this key part of French and American history.

Mission
The mission of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail is to preserve and interpret the routes taken by American and French troop from 1781 – 1782 and to commemorate the role of the critical French-American alliance in the victory over British forces at the siege of Yorktown, Virginia.

Vision
Our vision is to commemorate the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail by making it relevant and meaningful to present day audiences through a clearly focused presence that includes innovative outreach and programming. In doing so we will foster relationships with partners and stakeholders to influence interest in the Trail and create visitor experiences.
The National Park Foundation has an [*] NPF Resource Center website which provides helpful ideas for the Directors of National Trails, including fund-raising, and promoting volunteerism.

Commemorative Bicycle-Kayak Tour
Newport RI to Yorktown VA 

To commemorate the 240th anniversary of the historic march of the
French Expeditionary Force from Newport RI to Yorktown VA
-- joining with the U.S. Continental Army in New York --
Sal Lilienthal embarked on a bicycle and kayak tour,
generally following the 1781 march of the allied armies.
Jeff Canning drove the supplies van.
Both are members of the W3R®-US Board of Directors.


Week 1: Aug 14-20 Newport RI to Princeton NJ
Week 2:Aug 21-27 Princeton NJ to Hanover VA
Week 3: Aug 28-31 Hanover VA to Yorktown VA / Boston MA


Memorial for W3R®-US Director Kurt Zwikl  

On Sept. 1, 2021, Kurt D. Zwikl, 72, a former Director of W3R®-US,
a longtime pillar of W3R®-Pennsylvania, and a former state legislator,
died at his home in Allentown, PA.


Kurt was born in Allentown PA on June 28, 1949. He was a graduate of East Stroudsburg University and earned his master's degree in American History from Lehigh University. Kurt’s passion for history was apparent to everyone who knew him.

In 1973, at age 24, he was elected as the youngest member ever of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He served 12 years in Harrisburg, earning a reputation for integrity, intelligence, humor, and the ability to work across the aisle to advance the common good. His major accomplishments included bills to reduce government paperwork and to make library and museum theft a criminal act.

Kurt worked in the banking industry for the next 12 years, becoming senior vice president for public affairs and government at the former First Union National Bank.

Governor Robert Casey appointed him to chair the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission from 1988 to 1995. A recognized expert in Pennsylvania history, Kurt published several articles on state and local history.

From 2003 to 2015 he served as executive director of the Schuylkill River Greenways National & State Heritage Area, with the goal of revitalizing and restoring the river’s watershed and trails.

Some of this article is from The Morning Call (Allentown PA) for Sept 29, 2021.