On July 1, 2025, at the Historic Freight Shed at 331 Water Street in Yorktown, the Virginia Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association (W3R-VA), in cooperation with York County, hosted a celebration of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, This was the second annual event to honor the General who commanded the French forces in America from 1780 to1782. W3R-VA also launched its newest program to honor the “Three Commanders: Generals Washington, Rochambeau & de Grasse, leaders of the American Revolution and heroes of the Victory at Yorktown.” The newest program will kick off in 2026, when the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and end in 2031 with the 250th anniversary of the Victory at Yorktown.
The event included remarks by Mr. David Meredith, President; Mme. Nicole G. Yancey, President Emeritus (who offered greetings in French) and words of appreciation for all who made the event possible by Ms. Carol “Sam” Meredith, Interim Secretary of W3R-VA Board of Directors; Sheila S. Noll, Chairman of the York County Board of Supervisors; Colonel Nicolas DURAND, French National Liaison Representative, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, Norfolk; a presentation on the life of the Comte de Rochambeau by Mr. Randolph G. Flood, President, The Real American Revolution Multimedia Center; and, remarks by Generals George Washington (Mr. Daniel H.T. Shippey) and Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau (Mr. Michael Halbert.) Among numerous other honored guests were Colonel Thomas LABOUCHE, French Liaison Officer to Headquarters, Department of the Army at the Pentagon, representing French ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Laurent Bili; Senator J. D. “Danny” Diggs, Virginia State Senate; Delegate W. Chad Green, Virginia House of Representatives; and many more. All attendees received a complimentary challenge coin, created by W3R-VA to pay tribute to General Rochambeau and recognize the significant contributions of France during the American War of Independence.
Cakes designed and decorated by Karen Rogers, the CheeseCake Lady, for the Comte de Rochambeau’s birthday and the launch of the “Three Commanders” program were served with a toast of sparkling juice, proposed by W3R-VA Treasurer, Mr. Sam Murphy. The Celebrate Yorktown Committee of the Yorktown Foundation awarded a grant to support the historical interpreters; Members of the Comte de Grasse Chapter, National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, helped to serve the refreshments; and JoAnne’s Catering provided outstanding food and service. Dale & Regina Howell greeted guests as they arrived.
PHOTO CREDITS:
Bonnie Karwac
Karen Komar
Sam Meredith
York County Economic & Tourism Development
