The Connecticut Governor’s Guards (State Defense Force) recently commemorated Rochambeau Day, a significant event in state history that honors the historic meeting between General George Washington, commander of the Continental Army, and Lieutenant General Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, commander of the French Expeditionary Force. This meeting, the first between the American Commander-in-Chief and the French General, focused on devising a strategic plan to trap and capture the British Army at Yorktown, Virginia. The strategy involved moving a combined force of 12,000 soldiers to Yorktown, where the arrival of the French fleet successfully blocked any British retreat by sea. This coordinated effort resulted in a continuous siege that forced the surrender of General Charles Cornwallis, effectively ending the Revolutionary War and securing America’s independence. To honor this historic day, the Connecticut Foot Guard holds an annual ceremony, discharging historical Brown Bess Muskets—symbolic of the weapons used by the Continental Army.
This year’s Rochambeau Day saw a brighter, warmer celebration than 2023, marking the Connecticut Foot Guard’s 253rd anniversary. The commemoration featured a parade and ceremonies that honored the significant meeting of Washington and Rochambeau on September 20, 1780, in front of the Old State House. The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard, established in 1771 and based in Hartford, provided a 13-gun salute as the French representatives disembarked at the ferry landing on the Connecticut River. From the State House, the dignitaries walked to the former home of Jeremiah Wadsworth, now the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum, for a reception and historical discussions. The First Company was privileged to be joined by its sister units, French Brigadier General Vincent de Kytspotter, Head of the Defense Mission of the United Nations, as well as notable guests like Brigadier General (ret) Brien Horan, CWO Roach, and Col. Stephen J. Ryan, representing Gold’s Dragoons, a member of the Centennial Legion.
Celebrating Rochambeau Day is an important event in Connecticut and The United States as it honors the pivotal alliance between American and French forces, which was crucial in securing victory and independence during the Revolutionary War. It serves as a reminder of the value of unity, strategic cooperation, and the enduring legacy of those who fought for America’s freedom.
This weekend saw a much brighter and more warmer day than 2023. Rochambeau Day was an immense success in celebrating the Unit’s 253rd birthday, while holding a parade and ceremonies to honor the meeting of General George Washington and French General Rochambeau on September 20, 1780, in front of the Old State House.
The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard, established in 1771 and based in Hartford, provided a 13-gun salute as the French disembarked at the ferry landing on the Connecticut River. After meeting at the State House, the Generals walked to the home of Jeremiah Wadsworth (where the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum now stands) for a reception and discussions.
The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard was honored to be joined by its sister Unit’s as well as French Brigadier General Vincent de Kytspotter, Head of the Defense Mission of the United Nations, as well as special guests Brigadier General (ret) Brien Horan, CWO Roach, and Col. Stephen J. Ryan, representing Gold’s Dragoons, a member of the Centennial Legion for their annual Rochambeau Celebration.
We would like to extend a very special thanks to the First Litchfield Artillery who provided a salute battery, which was an amazing sight.
The First Company would also like to extend its congratulations to the newly promoted Officers- Captain Charles “Ox” Gara, First Lieutenant David McInerney, and First Lieutenant Shawn Trimboli.
Here is a video of the event from last years celebration:
Source: Connecticut Governors Guards – Skynet Drones
