Hartford Honors Revolutionary War Heroes: Historic Meeting Between General Washington & Rochambeau

On Saturday, September 20, despite inclement weather, the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard (State Defense Force) honored the historical tradition that celebrated the pivotal meeting between General George Washington and French General Rochambeau. The meeting, which took place on September 20, 1780, in front of the Old State House in Hartford, was a decisive moment in the American Revolution. The meeting was pivotal in securing French support for the American Revolutionary War, enhancing the strategic and military capabilities of the Continental Army. Rochambeau provided experienced troops and essential resources, while the French Navy, crucial in the Siege of Yorktown, helped corner British forces, leading to their surrender. This Franco-American collaboration was instrumental in achieving American independence from British rule.

To honor the historical meeting, French Brigadier General Vincent de Kytspotter, Head of the Defense Mission of the United Nations, joined the event, alongside Brigadier General Ralph Hedenberg, retired Brigadier General Brien Horan, and Colonel Richard Sheryka, Past Commander of the Kentish Guards.

Saturday’s event not only commemorated the alliance and meeting between the two legendary generals but also marked the 252nd birthday of the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard. This military unit holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously serving military unit in the United States. The celebration, thus, not only paid tribute to the historical military cooperation between France and the United States but also acknowledged the enduring legacy and service of the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard.

This past Saturday, the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard braved the stormy elements to continue on the long-standing tradition to celebrate the meeting of General George Washington and French General Rochambeau on September 20, 1780, in front of the Old State House in Hartford.

The First Company was honored to be joined by French Brigadier General Vincent de Kytspotter, Head of the Defense Mission of the United Nations, as well as special guests Brigadier General Ralph Hedenberg, Brigadier General (ret) Brien Horan, and Colonel Richard Sheryka, Past Commander of the Kentish Guards.

This event also marks the 252nd birthday of the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard, the oldest continuously serving Military Unit in the United States.

Source: Connecticut Foot Guard