243rd Anniversary Battle of the Capes

On Saturday, September 7 the Norfolk Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution sponsored the commemoration of the 243rd Anniversary of the Battle of the Virginia Capes, also known by the French as the Battle of the Chesapeake. The commemoration was held in front of a statue of French Admiral Francois Joseph Paul, Comte de Grasse near the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia. Approximately 230 persons attended the event. They represented multiple chapters of Sons of the American Revolution, multiple chapters of Daughters of the American Revolution, Societies of Children of the American Revolution and several other lineage Societies whose purpose is to commemorate those who participated in the American Revolution or were founders or early settlers in America.

The battle took place on September 5, 1781 just a few miles east of the Cape Henry Lighthouse. The battle pitted an English Fleet commanded by Admiral Thomas Graves against a French Fleet commanded by Admiral De Grasse. The battle lasted just two-and-a-half hours and was a decisive victory for the French. The victory enabled reinforcement of the French-American army and supply of much needed artillery. The victory also prevented the escape of the British Army from Yorktown. Without the French victory at the Battle of the Chesapeake the American Victory at Yorktown on October 19, 1781 might never have happened and the outcome of the American Revolution most certainly would have taken a different path.

Keynote speaker for the event was French Navy Rear Admiral Frederic de Rupilly. He was accompanied by a large contingent of French Navy Sailors and officers, one who carried the French Tri-Color National Flag in presentation of colors. Rear Admiral Cassidy Norman United States Navy, Director, Joint/Fleet Operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command represented the United States Navy.

The Loudoun County based Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter, Virginia SAR was represented by Ken Bonner who carried a musket in Color Guard for presentation of Colors, and by Chapter President Barry Schwoerer, who presented the Chapter wreath to honor the French Victory.