Lafayette’s Tour – Cincinnati Stop – May 19th, 200 Year Anniversary

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Tim Madden
On Monday, May 19th there was a celebration in downtown Cincinnati at the Ohio River Front.

Color Guard Members of the SAR from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana

This celebration was to honor and remember the visit of French General Marquis de Lafayette who was a great hero of the American Revolution and the French Revolution as well.  General Lafayette visited Cincinnati during his 14 month visit and tour of America from August 1824 – September of 1825.  This was an invitation by President James Monroe.  Lafayette’s tour included all 24 states recognized at that time.  General Lafayette was greeted with much fanfare including his stop in Cincinnati.

General Lafayette, great friend of the American Revolution

General Lafayette was the last living general officer from the American Revolution, a friend of General Washington and a staff officer who took part in several major battles such as Brandywine, Monmouth, and Yorktown, and instrumental in convincing France to help America in its War of Independence from Britain. He was only 19 years old in 1777 when he came to America and became a volunteer Major General in the Continental Army!

Poster announcing the May 19th – May 20th events in Cincinnati commemorating the General Lafayette celebration

Map of the travels of General Lafayette including all of the then 24 states of the USA

The weather was wonderful and the SAR and DAR had a committed contingent of chapters present including Cincinnati, Richard Montgomery, Kentucky Society and the Indiana Society.

SAR Color Guard with General Lafayette

We were all there to greet a rein actor portraying French General Marquis de Lafayette.

Rein actor General Lafayette speaks to the assembled crowd

There was a good crowd of spectators that included a few city officials from the mayor’s office, DAR, SAR, and Masonic representatives, and the Friends of Lafayette. Our SAR Color Guard made a good impression, with Bob Hill the Color Guard commander.

Crowd listens to General Lafayette and other local dignitaries. Includes SAR, DAR, public and local officials

The rein actor who portrayed Lafayette did an amazing job. He made the exact same speech as the real Lafayette 200 years ago in a perfect, believable French accent. His words were quite moving, with a love for America and the fire of liberty and the Revolution still burning brightly in his heart nearly 50 years later. “Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country.”

Singing of the Star Spangled Banner

Thank you to Patrick Wesolosky, President of the Kentucky Society, and Jack Bredenfoerder of the Cincinnati Chapter and former Ohio Society President for the photos shown.

SAR Color Guard Commander Bob Hill with the members of the Color Guard

Combined SAR Color Guard at attention

View of the Cincinnati Ohio Riverfront

Combined SAR Color Guard led by Commander Bob Hill

DAR Cincinnati Chapter Regent Monica Mohlenkamp

Cincinnati SAR President Scott Freeman speaks at the evening dinner gala

Congratulations to a fine event!
General Lafayette is welcome back anytime!

 

 

 

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