Russell J. DeSimone, Grants Committee Chairman of The Rhode Island Heritage Harbor Foundation, recently presented a gift in the amount of $1,000 to The Alliance Française of Newport in support of The Rochambeau Monument Restoration Project.
More info from the Alliance Francaise of Newport;
Russell J. DeSimone, Grants Committee Chairman of The Rhode Island Heritage Harbor Foundation, recently presented a gift in the amount of $1,000 to The Alliance Française of Newport in support of The Rochambeau Monument Restoration Project.
According to DeSimone, “The Heritage Harbor Foundation’s mission is to support organizations like the Alliance Française of Newport, which promote and celebrate Rhode Island’s rich history and heritage. We are pleased to provide a grant for the restoration of the Rochambeau Monument.
This monument not only marks the starting point of the march of the combined American and French armies to Yorktown, but it also commemorates the significant role that France played in American independence.”
The Alliance Française of Newport has raised almost $250,000 to restore the Monument which has historic significance to both the French and American people. The Monument consists of a statue of General Rochambeau and a Pyramid honoring the French soldiers.
In 1781, General George Washington met with General Rochambeau, the Marquis de Lafayette and French Admirals de Grasse, d’Estaing and de Ternay at Vernon House in Newport to formulate the critical plans for the final battle of the American Revolution at Yorktown which resulted in American independence.
The Alliance Française of Newport has been part of an international organization for 65 years dedicated to the study of the French language and to promoting cultural exchange. Members of the AFN participate in conversation groups, art gallery and museum events and lectures about French culture and history. Guests are welcome.
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