Missouri Society Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard Photo Gallery
225th Anniversary of the Victory at Yorktown, Virginia October 19th, 2006
Pictured here is MOSSAR Color Guard member Francis R. Roberson Jr., of Sarcoxie, MO. Compatriot Robertson attended the 225th Anniversary of the Victory at Yorktown, Virginia and participated in the wreath laying ceremony on October 19th, 2006. The laying of two wreaths in the Grace Church Cemetery at the grave of Governor Thomas Nelson Jr. who signed the Declaration of Independence for Virginia and fought with the Patriots. Compatriot Robertson had two 4th great-grandfathers who fought at Yorktown. Compatriot Robertson is a member of Ariel Nims Chapter of Joplin, MO.
On October 19, 1781 British troops led by Cornwallis surrendered to the American forces led by George Washington. In September the French fleet commanded by Admiral de Grasse established a blockade of Chesapeake Bay. By the end of September some 17,600 Americans and French soldiers were ready to face Cornwallis and the combined 8,300 British and Hessioan (German) troops. Both sides constructed defensive lines and brought in heavy artillery. During the night of October 14, the Americans and French overan two British redoubts within 30 minutes. Following a few other minor skirmishes, Cornwallis began to negotiate a cease fire. His surrender on October 19 secured the independence for the Colonies and thus the begining of the United States.
The National Park Service, U.S. Military, the state of Virginia, and the Colonial towns of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown sponsored the four days of events. In attendance were representatives from all U. S. military including the "Old Guard" (Colonial dressed 3rd Army Division), Senators, Congressmen, DAR, SAR, descendants from families of Rochambeau, Lafayette, de Grasse, the current Lord and Lady Cornwallis, and German representatives. Speakers included the Ambassador from France and the French Secretary of Defense and the U.S. Secretary of Interior. The French also had a Naval band and Navy military unit along with a group of French school children. The parade featured many colonial groups and military groups and bands. Some 3,000 re-enactors were there to recreate the battle.
