A Man of Two Continents

Lafeyette, born Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de la Fayette, was a French aristocrat born in 1757, and as a teenager he took a keen interest in the developments in the New World as tensions rose between the thirteen British colonies and their mother country. When war broke out, the educated but inexperienced Lafayette sailed at his own expense to the colonies, where Gen. George Washington promptly commissioned him as a Major General in the Continental Army.

Washington's faith in the teenage phenom would have a massive effect on the outcome of the war, as Lafayette would go on to become one of Washington's most trusted officers and led the Continental Army to victory over the British at Yorktown in 1781, effectively securing American independence.

After the war, Lafayette returned to France, which was in the infancy of its own Revolution. Lafayette carried with him the principles found in the American Declaration of Independence, and penned a similar document for the French: the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen - the document on which France's overthrow of its long-standing monarchy was based, paving the way for the modern Republic of France, which has been America's continual ally since.

Town Historian Arnold Restivo led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, with the assistance of the smart and sharp Town of Fishkill Police Cadet Color Guard, which presented the colors of the United States and France for this internationally significant event. Town resident Elizabeth Baecher, who was born in France and escaped with her family as a small child upon the outbreak of World War II, delivered special welcoming remarks en francaise in a nod of respect to the Town's prestigious guest.

M. Laban was preceded directly by County Executive William F.X. O'Neil, who spoke of Lafayette as a man before his time, whose ideas of equality for all were considered radical in certain circles, especially in Europe where centuries of monarchies and aristocratic rule had impressed ideas contrary to the equality of all people, but who persevered and voluntarily renounced his noble title, choosing instead to be known as we know him today - Lafayette.

M. Laban received a hearty welcome and a standing ovation for his remarks, which lauded Lafayette as a man pivotal in the creation of two modern nations whose friendship has stood the test of time. Noting France's key role in helping the United States gain independence from England, M. Laban remarked that America has returned the favor with its role in helping France and its allies defeat the Central Powers in World War I, and leading the liberation of France and the defeat of Nazism during World War II.

After M. Laban's remarks, he and Supervisor Albra laid a wreath beside the monument before taps were played on the trumpet by Town secretary Greg Totino.

Above: Supervisor Albra, M. Laban and other dignitaries visited the Brinckerhoff Inn for a tour of the historic building.

Below: M. Laban (center) receives a tour of the Lafayette Room in the Brinckerhoff Inn from owner Bob Chiuli (left) as Supervisor Albra and others look on.

Many dignitaries of note were in attendance, including Supervisor Albra, Town Councilmembers Louise Daniele, John Forman and Brian Wrye, Town Justice Raymond Raiche, County Clerk Brad Kendall, County Legislators Doug McHoul and Joey Cavaccini.

Supervisor Albra called Sunday's event a fantastic success for the Town and a further triumph for Fishkill history.

"Today was a tremendous accomplishment, and I want to thank Historian Arnold Restivo for his work helping make this event possible, along with my assistant Greg who coordinated our speakers and put the ceremony together," Supervisor Albra said. "I can't thank our speakers enough for coming, and I thank Monsieur Damien Laban from the French Consulate for being our guest of honor and making this a truly international celebration."

Supervisor Albra and the Town Board extend their thanks to the Rombout Rural Cemetery and the Melzingah Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for their partnership in staging this event, Councilman Carmine Istvan for donating his time and materials to provide landscaping around the Lafayette Monument, Eastern View Landscaping and Lee's Tree Service, the Fishkill and Dutchess County Historical Societies, the Brinckerhoff Inn and owner Bob Chiuli for their hospitality, the Town of Fishkill Police Department for providing traffic service, the Town of Fishkill Police Cadets and Sgt. Murtagh for providing a snappy color guard, JM Party Tent Rentals, and the Town of Fishkill Buildings, Grounds and Parks Department team led by Brandon and Brian for their fantastic work setting up for the ceremony.