JOINT BASE LANGLEY EUSTIS, Va. –
On Oct. 19, 1781, British General Lord Cornwallis surrendered 8,000 British soldiers and seamen to American and French forces in Yorktown, effectively ending fighting in the American Colonies and signaling the end of the Revolutionary War. Peace negotiations began in 1782; the "Treaty of Paris" was signed Sept. 3, 1783, formally recognizing the United States as an independent free nation after eight years of war.
The victory has been celebrated every year since. The city of Yorktown will continue its tradition of celebration with the 232nd Anniversary of America's Decisive Revolutionary War and Yorktown Day on Oct. 19 and 20.
"I enjoy watching the visitors involved in learning through the hands-on living history and artillery demonstrations," said Todd Johnson, assistant interpretive site manager and event coordinator. "Yorktown was the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War; this was a significant part of American history and why we celebrate each year."
The Yorktown Day parade starts at 10 a.m. Oct. 19, marching down Main Street and passing in front of the Victory Monument. Patriotic exercises will begin at 11 a.m. at the monument and conclude with the annual wreath-laying ceremony. The wreath-laying ceremony is done in memory of those who fought and died during the siege. The tradition can be traced back to 1922, when the Daughters of the American Revolution first began the annual ceremony.
The National Park Service at Yorktown Battlefield will offer tours Oct. 20, highlighting the historical battle. Programs by the Royal and Lamb's Artilleries will be presented throughout the day. In addition, the Moore House, where Cornwallis' surrender negotiations took place, will be open to the public.
The Yorktown Victory Center will also feature musket and artillery demonstrations and hands-on programs in a Revolutionary War Continental Army encampment recreation on both days.
"Visitors will get the sense of what soldiers and civilians endured for the fight for liberty." said Johnson.
For more information and ticket prices, visit www.historyisfun.org/yorktown-victory-celebration.htm.