The Liberty and Union Celebration commemorates the events of October 1774 when Taunton became the first in the American colonies to raise a flag in opposition to British rule. That flag — the “Liberty and Union” flag — flies proudly over our city to this day. The society’s Robert Treat Paine Chapter annually lays a wreath at the statue of Robert Treat Paine, and our Henry Knox Color Guard joins with Hingham Militia, Rehoboth Militia, and other groups in the celebration. This is a family event with free admission and activities.
For more information about the event, please visit the festival’s website.
2021 Yorktown Celebration at Pilmoth Patuxet Musuem
hosted by the Plymouth Bluewater Patriots Chapter.
| When: | Saturday, October 23, 2021, 10:00am – 2:30pm |
| Where: | Plimoth Patuxet Museum |
| Menu: | Buffet traditional Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey and gravy, scrod w/lemon butter, garden salad, corn bread stuffing, roast potatoes and vegetable medley, rolls/butter, cranberry sauce and hot fruit cobbler with fresh whipped cream |
| Drink: | Coffee, tea and decaf |
| Speaker: | To be announced |
| Cost: | $40 |
| Special Offer: | Free admission to Plimoth Patuxet exhibits for the first 25 requestors (see below) |
The Battle of Yorktown was the last great battle of the American Revolutionary War. It is where the British Army surrendered and the British government began to consider a peace treaty.
After six years of war, both the British and Continental armies were exhausted. The British, in hostile territory, held only a few coastal areas in America. On the other side of the Atlantic, Britain was also waging a global war with France and Spain. The American conflict was unpopular and divisive, and there was no end in sight. For the colonies, the long struggle for independence was leading to enormous debt, food shortages, and a lack of morale among the soldiers. Both sides were desperately seeking a definitive victory.
General George Washington and his Continental Army had a decision to make in the spring of 1781. They could strike a decisive blow to the British in New York City or aim for the south, in Yorktown, Virginia, where Gen. Charles Lord Cornwallis’s troops were garrisoned. Washington and his French ally, Lt. Gen. Comte de Rochambeau, bet on the south, where they were assured critical naval support from a French fleet commanded by Adm. Comte de Grasse. The Allied armies marched hundreds of miles from their headquarters north of New York City to York-town, making theirs the largest troop movement of the American Revolution. They surprised the British in a siege that turned the tide toward an American victory in the War for Independence.
The siege of Yorktown began on September 28, 1781. At this time the Continental and French forces encircled the British and German Hessian forces. For nearly three weeks the American forces bombarded the British. The Continental and French forces blocked escape over land and the French Navy blocked escape by sea. Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington in the field at Yorktown on October 17, 1781. The British tried to surrender to the French, but they made the British surrender to the Americans.
Claiming illness, Cornwallis did not attend the formal surrender ceremony on October 19, 1781. In his place he sent General Charles O’Hara to surrender his sword. The document is titled Articles of Capitulation.
Program
- 10:00am — New England District Council Meeting (Leydon Room)*
- 10:00am — Ladies Auxiliary Meeting (Patuxet Room)*
- 11:00am — Color Guard Muster in the Courtyard
- 12:00pm — Cocktail Reception with Hors-d’oeuvres for Invited Guests and Guest Speaker
- 1:00pm — Luncheon and Guest Speaker
- 2:15pm — Patriot Award Presentation
- 2:30pm — Adjourn
* Coffee and Danish will be served
Note: There are 25 tickets to Plimoth Patuxet’s exhibits available free without cost on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested, please contact our State Secretary to request one.
To register by mail, please use this mail-in form.
A meeting of the Board of Managers to finalize the budget for 2022, to review the proposed slate of officers for next year, to consider amendments for our Bylaws and Constitution, and to hear the reports of our officers and committees. All members of the society are welcome.
HONOR those who serve.
TEACH your children the value of freedom.
Join us on National Wreaths Across America Day December 18, 2021
Each December, the Massachusetts Society joins National Wreaths Across America Day to Remember, Honor and Teach through wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery as well as at more than 2,100 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.
- Who We Remember: From the Revolutionary War to present day conflicts, our veterans are devoted sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers. They come from all backgrounds in life to place those lives on the line for our freedoms. There are millions of individual stories to tell. Get to know them by viewing the 4,760 recent posts made by our supporters or sponsor a wreath in honor of or in memory of an American hero.
- Where We Remember: Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 2,100 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad. Click below to find a location near you.
- When We Honor: While coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies each December on National Wreaths Across America Day is a big part of what we do, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out throughout the year. From our Remembrance Tree program to the Wreaths Across America Museum in Maine, there are many different ways in which you can get involved!
- How We Teach: Wreaths Across America’s mission touches the lives of thousands of school, scout, civic and religious groups across the country through fundraising for wreath sponsorships. These groups help us ensure that we reach our goal to place a wreath on each hero’s grave. In return, they receive fundraising dollars that assist in furthering their own goals and projects. Support us by supporting our participating groups below.
- Why We Do It: We understand we have Veterans Day in the fall and Memorial Day in the spring, but our service members sacrifice their time and safety every single day of the year to preserve our freedoms.
In many homes, there is an empty seat for one who is serving or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. There is no better time to express our appreciation than during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. We hope you will join us at any of our more than 2,100 participating locations to show our veterans and their families that we will not forget. We will never forget.
Write us about your interest in participating so we can tell you how join us at a wreath-laying ceremony at a cemetery near you. Visit Wreaths Across America for more information on the day itself.