Hermione makes short, but colorful visit to RI

Posted 7/9/15

The French Tall Ship Hermione is in Rhode Island waters in Newport as it continues its historic reenactment of Marquis de Lafayette’s similar voyage 235 years ago from France to Boston. Lafayette …

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Hermione makes short, but colorful visit to RI

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The French Tall Ship Hermione is in Rhode Island waters in Newport as it continues its historic reenactment of Marquis de Lafayette’s similar voyage 235 years ago from France to Boston. Lafayette returned to America on the original Hermione to join the Continental Army and bring France’s support in troops, ships and supplies to aid the colonies. The original frigate Hermione visited Newport during the Revolution, and stayed in the country for two years securing shipping lanes, shelling British garrisons and fighting battles, including Yorktown.

The tall ship will be available for viewing today at Newport’s Fort Adams. Numerous events are available all day from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 pm, including shipbuilding and 18th century military demonstrations, fife & drum music, and historical presentations.

There will be plenty of time to mingle with living history reenactors, including Dave Loda, the official interpreter of General Nathanael Greene, who was born in Warwick August 7, 1742 and later moved to Coventry, where his homestead museum now stands.

Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Lafayette considered Greene to be the finest general, diplomat and gentleman. Both Lafayette and Greene were close friends of Washington’s and each named a son after him.

The Hermione will depart tonight in a farewell ceremony with long held military traditions such as the Parade of Review, Lowering of Flags, Beating the Retreat and Lighting of the Torches and cannon fire.

Public viewing is free at the Heritage Village Fort Adams State Park. Additional information may be found at www.fortadams.org/bDiscoverbTheFortress/Hermione2015.aspx.

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