YORKTOWN, Va. –
The city of Yorktown and Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia celebrated the 237th anniversary of the victory at Yorktown Oct. 19, 2018.
Every year, Yorktown hosts a parade in remembrance of the Battle of Yorktown with formations from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marines and the U.S. Navy. In addition to the parade, community members and U.S. Armed Forces leaders attended a wreath-laying ceremony, a 3rd Infantry Old Guard Fife and Drum performance and a Revolutionary War guided tour.
“The military participation in events like the Yorktown Day parade is important because it gives our nation a sense of security,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alexander Bustard, Langley Honor Guard superintendent. “They want to know that their defense is in good hands--seeing a traditional marching performance gives them that security. Seeing our youngest and bravest carry on the spark of legacies past is inspirational to every spectator.”
Approximately 1000 people were attendance for the celebration and over 1000 military and civilian personnel participated in the parade.
According to Mike Byrd, Colonial National Historical Park Yorktown Day coordinator, celebrating Yorktown day is important due to the historical impact the Siege of Yorktown had for the United States. The victory allowed the United States to pursue freedom from Britain and become an independent nation. With the surrender of General Charles Cornwallis to the colonial forces, it lead to the eventual surrender of the British army and the colonies gaining their independence.
The Battle of Yorktown happened on September 28, 1781 in Yorktown, Virginia. General George Washington commanded a French and Continental 17,000-troop force against a British force of 9,000 troops.