The International Norton Owners Association (www.inoanorton.com) held its Empire Rally July 18-23 at the Blacthorne Resort in East Durham, NY at the Northern edge of the Catskills, a very good choice for a summer rally owing to the abundance of space, shade and amenities including a bar, a restaurant and a swimming pool.
The Rally was a great success, well run by a dedicated group of Norton enthusiasts. A large number of the participants traveled from all over the US, the UK, Canada and Australia to attend this rally, one of the friendliest I have ever attended.
Norton Empire Rally 2011
Marchers retrace the steps of Rochambeau’s Army
In 1781 French troops rallied in Boston and Newport to the aid of the struggling American troops. Before this, General George Washington had led our forefathers for years in a struggle to become a separate nation from Great Britain.
Beginning in June of 1781, troops began their march from the Eastern shores far to the North, a more than 600 mile journey, culminating at Yorktown, Virginia in October 1781. As many events serendipitously fell in place, American and French troops surrounded British troops commanded by General Cornwallis in Yorktown. This siege of Yorktown was a major turning point in the War for Independence. The victory of the the British surrender could not have been had without our French Alliance.
Fast forward to the 21st century; After years of effort, a dedicated group of individuals, passionate in keeping that march of French troops and American soldiers fresh in our minds, convinced our United States Congress that this long moment in history was worth remembering. In March of 2009 this recognition was earned as a permanent moment. The Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route acquired the status of a National Historic Trail.
Please celebrate with us what is in your own back yard, curbside, freeway, or idyllic path. In celebration with The Marchers, please meet your newest National Park Service Historic Trail and one of your oldest neighbors: The Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route.
We begin in June 2011, concluding the March in October 2011 in Yorktown, Virginia. We’ll keep you posted as the schedule becomes more concrete!
Financial support is welcomed and needed to make this a successfull celebration. Your tax deductible contribution can be mailed to: Living History Education Foundation 11 Lake Drive, Buchanan, New York 10511
The French War Veterans’ Color Guard participated in a ceremony in front of a marker commemorating the passage of General Rochambeau’s Army on July 5, 1781.
Mr. J. Michael Cindrich, Mayor of Mt. Kisco and Col. Serge Gabriel addressed the audience. André Ferrara former President of the Federation of French Veterans (NY) and his wife Armella kindly hosted a reception at their home after the ceremony.
Memorial Day 2011 in New York ~ A Photo Documentary
Pictures of the Memorial Day ceremony aboard the USS Intrepid Museum and during a visit of the USS Iwo Jima.
Photography ~ Daniel Falgerho
