In Step With The Revolution

By Kendra Bobowick

An unexpected change of plans welcomed the statewide March to Victory “troops” to Newtown Wednesday evening.

The group is traveling on foot from Rhode Island to Yorktown, Va., to commemorate the 225th Anniversary of French General Compte de Rochambeau’s march during the Revolutionary War; the general had allied himself with General George Washington. Carrying muskets and waving the French flag, participants passed through Fairfield Hills where they stayed on the Second Governor’s Horse Guard grounds Wednesday evening thanks to a friendship with marcher Dave Holloway of Connecticut, a Second Governor’s Foot Guard member.

In addition to Mr Holloway, marchers included Mike Fitzgerald of Pennsylvania and Dave Fagerberg of Kansas. They walked along the trail traveled by the French general and his troops during the Revolutionary War. Companions driving backup vehicles were Rose Morin and Richard Swartwout.

All are “seasoned reenactors,” Ms Morin said. Mr Holloway and Mr Swartwout are both members of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Serving several purposes along their route to Virginia, Mr Holloway said, “Our purpose is to raise awareness about the trail.” He then explained that few people have any education about Rochambeau, who was a French general sent to the colonies in 1781, sided with General George Washington, and played a critical role in overthrowing the British during the Revolutionary War.

The group’s other intention was to reach their goal. “No one has ever marched the whole way,” said Ms Morin.

Coming out of Middlebury Wednesday, the small group stayed the night, then traveled to Monroe, and returned briefly to attend Historian Dan Cruson’s unveiling of a plaque commemorating Rochambeau that was held in front of Hawley School Thursday afternoon.

Marchers’ travel logs are updated regularly, and are available at MarchtoYorktown.org. Ms Morin also indicated that contributions are welcome to offset traveling expenses. The group will remain in Monroe through early Saturday morning when they will leave — on foot — for Ridgefield.