05 Sep 2026 Fort Story, VA
The colors are presented and the two national anthems are played. CMM compatriot Bill Schwetke is carrying the US Colors.
Approximately 500 people gathered today by the statue of Lieutenant général des armées navles Comte de Grasse at Fort Story to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the the Marine Nationale (French Navy) and the crucial victory by de Grasse's fleet over the British fleet commanded by Sir Thomas Graves at the the Capes of the Chesapeake. This victory isolated Cornwallis' army at Yorktown and allowed the joint US/French Army commanded by General George Washington and Lieutenant général Comte de Rochambeau to defeat Cornwallis' Army, leading to the Treaty of Paris and the recognition of the independence of the United States.
This national SAR event was well attended by dignitaries including Virginia Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi, Admiral Karl Thomas, Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces, and Supreme Allied Commander Admiral Pierre Vandier. The NSSAR was represented by Secretary General Brooks Lyles. NSSAR President General Allen Greenly and past Mike Elston participated in a simultaneous ceremony in Paris, France.
The CMM was represented by Doug and Bill Schwetke who participated in the Color Guard and presented the chapter wreath.
This national SAR event was well attended by dignitaries including Virginia Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi, Admiral Karl Thomas, Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces, and Supreme Allied Commander Admiral Pierre Vandier. The NSSAR was represented by Secretary General Brooks Lyles. NSSAR President General Allen Greenly and past Mike Elston participated in a simultaneous ceremony in Paris, France.
The CMM was represented by Doug and Bill Schwetke who participated in the Color Guard and presented the chapter wreath.
 SAR Leadership and Color Guard, Doug Schwetke is on the far right and Bill Schwetke is just inboard of him. |
 Left to right: Bill and Doug Schwetke with the CMM wreath. |
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