After a fireworks display to conclude the evening, Yann Cariou and his crew sailed, under motor, on the Potomac River. After barely an hour of sailing, the frigate arrived on its 3 e american stopover. She is now moored for a two-day stopover in Alexandria Marina, opposite the Torpedo Factory Art Center. " After long weeks at sea, and a stopover in Yorktown that allowed a smooth return to civilization, the passage under the huge lift bridge, between banks lit by the lights of Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC in front of us, was a serious shock. Seeing the Washington Monument obelisk and the Capitol Dome in the distance also made us realize how close we were to the capital of the United States." can be read on the Hermione's blog.
The frigate docked on a small pontoon and was welcomed by the public, despite the late hour. On June 10, a welcoming ceremony took place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the presence of the Mayor of Alexandria. Ãeuros terre, the Hermione's village is open from 9 am to 7 pm for many animations: exhibition on the role of La Fayette in the revolution, tastingâeuros¦ In the evening, a ball will be given as well as a film and a play. The Hermione will set sail again on June 12 in the night towards Annapolis, Maryland, on June 16 and 17.
A bit of historyâeuros¦ In the footsteps of La Fayette in Alexandria
The city of Alexandria is the advanced port of the capital Washington DC. The Hermione has no connection with this American city, but La Fayette visited it six times, so it was important to stop there. During her 3 e american trip, Lafayette was invited by the U.S. Congress to conduct a tour to celebrate the 50 e anniversary of the young nation. He will visit no less than 60 cities and travel nearly 10,000 miles. The Washington Post will report on the tour in its columns " It is interesting to note that this last visit of the illustrious French soldier to this country was marked by the most universal and phenomenal display of joy that has ever been known in the United States, and which probably we shall never witness again."
On October 16 and 17, 1824, the Marquis de La Fayette received a triumphant welcome from the population and officials of Alexandria. After a grand parade through the streets of the city and numerous celebrations, he was received at a dinner by the Secretary of State and future President of the United States (1825-1829), John Quincy Adams. The French general made a toast to the memory of George Washington, who died in 1799: "Ãeuros The City of Alexandria - May its prosperity and happiness be realized more and more each day, as our beloved Washington called for."
For those of you who are curious, here is a short video that retraces the arrival of the Hermione at Mount Vernon as well as the stay until the departure for Alexandria.
