In March of 1825, the people of Augusta gathered to see Marquis de Lafayette, a Frenchman and military officer who volunteered to join to Continental Army led by George Washington in the American Revolutionary War.
On Sunday morning, the American Friends of Lafayette celebrated the 200th anniversary of the general’s trip to the CSRA with a reenactment of his arrival, a celebration of his contribution to American liberty.
Augusta welcomed Lafayette, portrayed by Charles Wissinger, at the City Dock along the 5th Street Marina Riverwalk. The fanfare shifted from the water’s edge to the Jessye Norman Amphitheater where more information was shared about Lafayette’s legacy.
“Today we honor the extraordinary contributions of Marquis de Lafayette, a hero of both the American and French Revolutions, a lifelong advocate for liberty and a true friend of the United States,” said Mayor Garnett Johnson. “His service both on the battlefield and in diplomatic efforts help forge strong ties between the United States and France and remain to this day.”
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Friendship between France and the USA
Lt. Col. Clement Gleiyse, the French international liaison officer to the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence shared his thoughts on the current state of world affairs and the continued partnership between France and the U.S.
“The soldiers of our days in the world are engaged in a new form of conflict. War is no longer simply a matter of swords, guns and canons but also of information and digital space…The face of so much complexity, the U.S. army and the French army are walking closely together to prepare for any engagement,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Mark Miles, deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Eisenhower, also spoke on Lafayette’s history as a patriot.
“At the age of just 19, he left France with the privileges of his noble French upbringing to fight for the ideals of liberty on land that he had never seen, without promise of rank, wealth or recognition he sailed across the ocean to stand shoulder to shoulder with General George Washington and the soldiers of the continental army,” he said.
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Historical marker dedication
A Lafayette historical marker dedication was held at Augusta City Hall, located at 535 Telfair St., to ensure that his visit to Augusta is remembered.
To find out more about the farewell tour of Lafayette, visit https://lafayette200.org.
