SAVE THIS DATE ~ September 29, 2024.
This is going to be a big deal!
On September 27, 1824, the “Guest of the Nation”, Marquis de Lafayette, visited Bristol, starting at Adam’s Hollow Creek, under the “Welcome Friend” Arch that still hangs proudly in the Bristol Borough Hall.
It continues to greet newcomers as well as locals.
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‘Welcome Friend’ has served Bristol as its motto since a wooden sign greeted the Marquis de Lafayette on his ‘Farewell Tour of America’ in 1824.
In 1824, the United States was in the throes of a very contentious national Presidential election. Our country was divided and in turmoil. President James Monroe thought it would be a good idea to bring back the last living American General from the Revolutionary War for a short tour of popular cities as a way to celebrate the nation’s 50th anniversary and reignite its patriotism.
Bristol is bringing meaningful history to life with style!
This will be accomplished through informative programming in a grandly recreated, educational, and entertaining celebration on Sunday, September 29 at 2 p.m.
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The Procession will begin a block away from Saint Mark Church, from Adam’s Hollow Bridge that crosses Adam’s Hollow Creek, the northern limit of Bristol Borough. It will continue down the banner lined Radcliffe Street to the corner of Radcliffe and Mill Streets for the festivities and speeches, including a formal dedication of the Lafayette Mural that has been gifted by Bob Marquis, Daniel and Amanda Yaeger of BMP Development, and crafted by freelance artist/ graphic designer/ muralist Jared Bader.
Lafayette was a skilled soldier, an impassioned speaker, an influential motivator, and a committed diplomat, born to an extremely prominent family in France on September 6, 1757. He traveled to the United States in search of adventure and prestige and his youthful idealism and courage brought him to a session of Congress in Philadelphia. When Lafayette offered to pay his own expenses in the colonial fight for independence, Congress appointed him a Major-General. This 19 year old French general, with no combat experience, was a friend of George Washington and one of the most influential men in the American Revolution. He also played a critical role in the French Revolution.
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Lafayette was shot in the leg during the Battle of Brandywine, his very first battle, on September 11, 1777. America’s favorite Frenchman was treated right here in Bristol, on Radcliffe Street, before traveling on to Bethlehem, PA where he recuperated from his wound.
He was an abolitionist and always fought for Liberty, Equality, and Freedom.
200 years later, the Famous Fighting Frenchman returns!
The Marquis de Lafayette re-enactor, Benjamin Goldman, is an Actor/Historian, Interpreter, and Impersonator, who was born into a theatrical family. He will arrive in a horse drawn carriage. “I’m takin’ this horse by the reins….”
[*notable quote from “Guns and Ships” from Hamilton: An American Musical, a song exploring the theme of war and the importance of strategy and leadership in the fight for freedom.]
Ben’s fluid French and impeccable French accent, cultivated when he studied abroad in Paris as an NYU undergraduate, combine for an impressive artistically-authentic portrayal. His uncanny resemblance to the youthful Lafayette, his ease with the French language and spot-on French accent, as well as his quick wit and intelligence, converge for a convincing portrayal of the young Lafayette.
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Kitsie Saldan will portray Mrs. Bessonet [who took care of Lafayette while in Bristol] and Deal Wright will play James Armistead Lafayette [who served as a spy during the Revolutionary War and received his freedom as a slave from Lafayette and honored him by taking his name].
Bristol Borough will continue its longstanding tradition of ‘Welcoming Friends’ accompanied by children in celebration attire, along with the talented musical performers of the Pennsbury Marching Band, the BCHF Community Band, the Snyder-Girotti Elementary Band, and the Bristol High school Drum Line with their high energy and motivational repertoires of stirring Revolutionary War tunes and unforgettable elegant melodies from the early years of American independence. Freemasons and Bristol’s Fire Association in dress uniform will also be in the grand procession.
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Come for the History and Stay for the Fun!
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