Bruce Mowday, Author at Bruce E. Mowday

December 31, 2025

 Three documentary projects on tap in 2026

for Chester County author Bruce E. Mowday

250^th celebration events dominate scheduled book presentations

 

          WEST CHESTER _ Author Bruce E. Mowday, who has written extensively on the American Revolution and Civil War, will concentrate on presentations involving the history of the United States in the coming year. Recently, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution bestowed on Mowday the “1776-2025 DAR America 250! Commendation” in connection with his work with the American Friends of Lafayette.

“Celebrating the 250^th anniversary of the founding of our nation is of great importance,” Mowday said. “For all, the coming year should be dedicated to teaching and understanding our rich history.”

Preserving the memory of the heroic deeds of American soldiers during the American Revolution battle of Brandywine and the preservation of actual battlefield land is the subject of two documentaries. Mowday was interviewed by Darley Newman, an Emmy Award-nominated host, for her show Travels With Darley. The interview took place on the field where the Marquis Lafayette was wounded on September 11, 1777. The show is expected to be aired on PBS stations in the next several months.

Mowday was interviewed by film maker Mary Armstrong of Space Cats Films on a number of occasions for her documentary on Lafayette and the need to preserve Brandywine battlefield. Armstrong expects to debut her film in mid-2026. “Mary is such a talented documentary film maker,” Mowday said. “She understands the need to document history and to preserve sacred land. I was so pleased when I discovered she is focusing on an American hero, Lafayette.”

Mowday has authored two books on Lafayette, including Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero and Lafayette: America’s Young Hero and Guest. Mowday also authored the first full-length book on Brandywine, September 11, 1777: Washington’s Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia. “When Lafayette was wounded at Brandywine, he demonstrated he was fully committed to helping us win our freedom,” Mowday said. “At the age of 19, Lafayette defied his king and left his family to come to America as a volunteer. Lafayette’s support was a major factor in France supporting us against England.”

Mowday was the chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee. The committee sparked the idea for the young Lafayette book, a non-fiction book for students and young adults. The book was championed by a number of the DAR groups and distributed to students in Kentucky and Indiana. Some of the books were given to libraries in Kentucky damage by severe flooding. Mowday’s DAR commendation was for work with the organization on the young Lafayette book.

For 2026 and the 250^th celebration, Mowday is working with Kenneth Serfass, a General Grant expert, on a book on Gettysburg and Vicksburg in the Civil War. Serfass and Mowday are offering a presentation to historical and other organizations. The book is expected to be released this spring.

Mowday is working on two other book projects in 2026. One book is a World War II book on a chaplain who wrote a diary during his captivity during the Bataan Death March. Mowday and artist Karl J. Kuerner on a book dealing with Christmas celebrations in the Brandywine region. Kuerner and Mowday have collaborated on two books, Emotional Gettysburg and Emotional Brandywine.

“I was so busy in 2025,” Mowday commented. “I did almost 100 events, including interviews, speeches and book signings. One of my favorite events was being interviewed by author Mark Bowden on writing and my career. I expect 2026 to be just as busy as 2025. I’ve already had requests for more than a dozen talks.”

Organizations wishing to engage Mowday for events are encouraged to contact him as soon as possible at mowday@mowday.com. For information on Mowday and his books, see www.mowday.com.

Mowday’s 2025 events included Lafayette Bicentennial events in Chadds Ford, West Chester, Lancaster, other Pennsylvania locations, New York state, Kentucky, Indiana and Yorktown, Virginia.

A number of his events promoted Mowday’s latest book, A Killer at the Door. The Schiffer Publishing book detailed the escape of crab-walking murderer Danilo Cavalcante from Chester County prison.  Mowday is working with Lionsgate/Blackfin productions in connection with a documentary on Cavalcante.

In 2025, Mowday took part in true crime podcasts, including one produced in England, and several television interviews.

 

The following was written of Facebook by Stephen Grepps Sr. 

Those that know me really well, know my interests include my family (foremost), firefighting to also include pumping/drafting, working with Augusta County Professional Firefighters & Paramedics Local 4664 ,the IAFF and VPFF, history ( Especially WW II) Mack fire apparatus ( or any Fire Apparatus before the 1980’s), ghost hunting and true crime. Especially when the crimes occurred near my hometown of Pottstown Pa and where I currently live in Augusta County Va. About ten years ago while researching about local crimes, I came across this author Bruce Mowday. He was a newspaper reporter covering the Johnston Brother’s crimes in South Eastern Pa during the 1970’s. Though most of the murders occurred by this family of thieves and serial killers in Chester and Delaware counties at least one occurred here in Virginia. Some of the crimes in the book “Jailing the Johnston Brothers Gang” occurred in and around Pottstown and Montgomery county. I reached out to Mr Mowday and spoke with him on the phone. He is a real genuine person. I ordered Jailing the Johnston Brothers and within days it arrived. I couldn’t put the book down. I finished the book within days of receiving it. There was actually a movie made loosely based off the Johnston gang, “At Close Range” with Christopher Walken and Sean and Chris Penn. Fast forward about a month ago I heard of this current book and I just had to have it ( thanks Tammy Grepps for the Christmas gift). This book is about the assassinations of two Kennett Square police officers by the Johnston Brothers gang. Mr Mowday isn’t just about writing books on true crime, he also writes about history. I highly recommend you looking at his Facebook page and getting information on his website. Thanks Mr Mowday for the second autographed copy of your books and I look forward purchasing the third book on the trilogy of the Johnston Brothers. On a side note, I met and talked with one of the brothers when he was jailed at one of the prisons I worked at as well as meeting at least one other person in the book. While working at these prison’s I met and talked to four different serial killers. Thank you for putting up with the long post. If you like reading history or true crime stories Look at Mr Mowday’s website, you won’t be disappointed

December 23, 2025

Amazon ranks Mowday’s books in top 10 percent in December

          Amazon ranks nine books by Chester County author Bruce E. Mowday in the top 10 percent of the more than 30 million books listed for sale in December.

“It’s a great please to see the interest in my books,” Mowday said. His books cover history, true crime, business and sports.

A Killer at the Door, the author’s recent book on crab-walking murderer, reached 134,019 and number 379 in Criminology, 497 in Crime and Criminal Biography, and 613 in Murder and Mayhem categories.

Jailing the Johnston Gang was 400,765, Small-Town Cops in the Crosshairs was 183,241, and Stealing Wyeth 969,125, they are true crime books.

Mowday’s Gettysburg books include Gettysburg Mysteries and More at 396,554 and 242 in Civil War History, Gettysburg.  Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story was 186,840 and 405 in Civil War History, Gettysburg.

American Revolution books on the list included Emotional Brandywine at 389,149 and Lafayette at Brandywine, 539,299.

Mowday’s sports book on Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn was 1,842 in Kindle books.

 

December 8, 2025

Rebuilding Kentucky libraries devastated by flooding

receive Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest books

published by Chester and Delaware counties Lafayette group

DAR, Kentucky Colonels and American Friends of Lafayette join in effort

            Kentucky libraries devastated by flooding have received copies of Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest book, published by the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee and the American Friends of Lafayette.

An article written for the Gazette on the Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana, committee by Bonny Wise and Sue Rogers stated, “Bruce Mowday’s children’s book became a cornerstone of our educational outreach. We were fortunate to have the dedicated support of DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) members on both sides of the Ohio River, who tirelessly distributed copies to area schools, ensuring that even the youngest members of our community learned about Lafayette. Altogether, over 750 copies of Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest were donated to schools in Indiana and Kentucky. The Kentucky Colonels funded our educational panels as well as 37 of Bruce Mowday’s books that were distributed to Eastern Kentucky counties that had lost their libraries to floods.”

Mowday, a Chester County author, was the chair of the local Brandywine Lafayette committee. He worked with committee members, AFL President Alan R. Hoffman and artist Shay Aubrey Allen to produce the book for students and young adults. Recently, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented Mowday the “1776-2026 DAR America 250! Commendation for his work on the Lafayette book.

“Education was one of the primary goals of the Lafayette bicentennial,” Mowday said. “I was so glad to see the book so widely distributed.”

The Bicentennial marked Lafayette’s return to the United States in 1824 and 1825 to honor him for his great contributions to America’s freedom during the American Revolution.  The American Friends of Lafayette organized more than 300 events during the bicentennial.

The AFL is planning a second series of events to mark Lafayette’s first trip to the United States through his wounding at the battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777.

To see accounts of the Bicentennial, see https://friendsoflafayette.wildapricot.org/Gazettes.

 

 

November 17, 2025

Thornbury Farms and Barnes & Noble, Exton, are

two of author Bruce E. Mowday’s holiday signings

Christmas Market on Nov. 22 and Nov. 23 at Thornbury Farms

          WEST CHESTER _ Award winning author and newspaper reporter Bruce E. Mowday will be signing books at eight venues during the Christmas season.

On November 22 and 23, Mowday signs books at the Thornbury Farm Christmas Market, 1256 Thornbury Road, West Chester. The hours for November 22 are from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on November 23 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

“Randell Spackman, the farm’s proprietor, always puts on a spectacular family Christmas program. Santa will be there along with fun games for children,” Mowday said. “I’ve taken part the past two years and each time it is a magical holiday outing.”

Mowday has authored more than 25 books on history, sports, business and true crime. He is a Consulting Producer with Lionsgate/Blackfin productions in connection with a documentary on his new book, Killer at the Door. The book details the escape of crab-walking murderer Danilo Cavalcante from Chester County Prison.

In 2025, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution bestowed on Mowday the “1776-2026 DAR America 250! Commendation” for his “extraordinary effort in raising awareness of Revolutionary Patriots and America’s 250^th anniversary.” Mowday severed as chair of the American Friends of Lafayette’s Bicentennial Brandywine Committee. He is a member of Chester County’s 250^th Commission.

Mowday has appeared on television and radio shows, including The Spark of PBS member station WITF, Counter Culture, a PBS Emmy-winning show, the Discovery ID channel, ReelZ network, C-SPAN, the Pennsylvania Cable Network, Hollywood and Beyond, the Opperman Report, Our American Heritage, Whatcha Got, Journey into the Civil War, Chronicles of the American Civil War, WGAL’s In Focus, the United Kingdom’s Tall Boys, and local television and radio stations.

Mowday’s books can be seen on his website, www.mowday.com. Mowday will have copies of most of his titles during the events. If information or to receive signed copies, send an email to mowday@mowday.com.

Mowday speaks on his Cavalcante book on September 18 at Crosslands, Kennett Square. “Crosslands was in the center for the search for the vicious murderer,” Mowday said. “This is a perfect venue for the talk.”

Main Point Books in Wayne has contacted Mowday about signing on Saturday, November 29. The time is to be determined.

“A Christmas market charity event takes place in the Community Center of Hershey’s Mill on December 1. Besides raising money for a local hospital, the event gives the community a chance to view gifts, many made by local artisans.” The public is invited. The hours are 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The address is 1500 Greenhill Road, West Chester, PA 19380.

Mowday is also talking to a Hershey’s Mill book club on December 9.

On Saturday, December 6, Mowday is joining author and newspaperman Mark Bowden for a discussion at Kennett Friends Meeting House, at 3:00 p.m. Reservations are required as seating is limited. Go to, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speaking-of-history-tickets-1964308571816?aff=oddtdtcreator/.

Mowday’s holiday schedule concludes with a book signing on Saturday, December 20 at the Barnes & Noble, Exton, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

For Mowday’s full schedule of events and books, see www.mowday.com.

 

 

 

November 6, 2025

DAR bestows DAR America 250! Commendation

To Chester County Author Bruce E. Mowday

For his dedication to raising awareness

Of Revolutionary War Patriots

DAR notes Mowday’s support of America’s 250^th anniversary

            WEST CHESTER _ The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented Chester County author Bruce E. Mowday the “1776-2026 DAR America 250! Commendation.”

A certificate signed by Pamela Wright, National Char of DAR’s America 250! Committee, noted the high honor was presented to Mowday “for Demonstration of Extraordinary Effort in Raising Awareness of Revolutionary Patriots and America’s 250^th Anniversary.”

“I’m so honored to receive this national DAR award,” Mowday said. “The recognition was totally unexpected.” Mowday, chair of the Lafayette Brandywine Bicentennial Committee and author of three books on the battle of Brandywine and the Marquis Lafayette, worked with DAR members to distribute his book on young Lafayette to students. The book is titled Lafayette: America’s Young Hero and Guest.

Shannon Skees Carter, Regent of the Plankeshaw DAR Chapter in New Albany, IN, wrote in a letter to Mowday, “We wanted to honor your contribution to the preservation of history and continuing to educate our youth regarding those who fought for our freedom.”

Carter continued, “The children of Indiana will now be able to read about the young Lafayette and his contribution to our great nation. Our chapter members have promoted and delivered many copies of your book throughout the state and within our own county to schools and libraries. Shelly Doss, INDAR State Librarian and Plankeshaw Chapter Member, has expressed to us how pleased she was to partner with you and spread the message of Lafayette. Thank you for playing such a big role in our chapter’s ability to promote the DAR’s mission of Historic Preservation, Education and Patriotism.”

Mowday’s Lafayette bicentennial committee identified a need to have a non-fiction book on Lafayette available to students and adults. “I contacted Alan R. Hoffman, President of the American Friends of Lafayette. I used Alan’s fine book on Lafayette’s return to the United States in 1824 and 1825 and my book Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero to develop the book for students. Chadds Ford artist Shay Aubrey Allen contributed original sketches for the book.”

Proceeds from the book assisted the American Friends of Lafayette’s 13-month bicentennial celebration and the goal of educating the public about Lafayette.

“Many people contributed to the success of the young Lafayette book,” Mowday said. “This project has been ongoing for more than three years and continues. Copies of the book are available. Those interested should contact me at mowday@mowday.com.”

 

September 11, 2025

My Lafayette Travels

Lessons learned spreading the word about an American Hero

 By Bruce E. Mowday

           On a bright and sunny summer’s day in August 2024, I had the honor of joining members of the American Friends of Lafayette escorting our own Lafayette from Staten Island to Manhattan. A crowd joined us in our parade on Broadway. The weekend included a reception at the French Consulate, a book signing at the city armory where I signed my book on the Frenchman under his portrait, dinners and programs on Lafayette’s life.

Two hundred years before my trip, tens of thousands of people gathered in New York City to greet our American hero. As Chuck Schwam of the American Friends of Lafayette stated, “If you think the Beatles received a great reception in New York City, it wasn’t close to the one Lafayette received.”

In 1824, Lafayette was America’s guest, invited by our government. The United States was giving our Revolutionary War hero his long overdue moment in the sun. His trip was scheduled to conclude after four months. He stayed 13 months as all 24 states of the union wanted to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by the young Lafayette during our American Revolution.

For the Bicentennial Celebration, the American Friends of Lafayette, under the guidance of Schwam and Alan Hoffman, organized more than 300 events in the 24 states where Lafayette visited. The Bicentennial Celebration was a momentous undertaking by a non-profit organization with dedicated members numbering less than 1,000. The organization’s membership greatly increased during the bicentennial. Important partnerships were forged, especially the DAR, the Masons and America’s 250^th.  The Bicentennial Celebration was an overwhelming success.

The final bicentennial events took place last weekend in Washington, D.C. The weekend marked Lafayette’s return to France 200 years ago aboard a new Navy vessel named Brandywine. The battle of Brandywine played a pivotal role in Lafayette’s life and the founding of the United States. On September 11, 1777, Lafayette shed his blood for American independence as he was wounded during the battle at Chadds Ford, Chester County.

Who was this American hero? Unfortunately, I’ve discovered too many Americans can’t answer this question. At the age of 19, Lafayette defied his king and left his family to fight for American independence. He was a wealthy teenager who wanted to volunteer. He spent part of his fortune for his belief that everyone should be free. He was a man ahead of his time and he suffered while adhering to his beliefs, spending five years in prison during the French Revolution.

The Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration just didn’t happen. Years of planning by American Friends of Lafayette leaders and committee chairs took place. Volunteers spent countless hours planning and executing plans for the events. Some were large, including the kickoff celebration in New York City, while others were smaller but still grand. To be sure, there were obstacles to overcome.  From small glitches, such as gridlocked New York City streets and a lost carriage in another New York State city, to larger funding issues, all were overcome.

I was an early recruit as chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee. More than 60 people joined our committee as we executed an October 2024 celebration in Chester and then a two-tier event on the field of Brandywine at Thornbury Farm and a Lafayette Ball at the Chester County History Center on July 26, 2025.

An early goal of the national bicentennial organization and our local committee was education. We conducted an essay contest for students. During an early committee meeting, our group identified the lack of a non-fiction book for students and young adults. Thus, Lafayette: America’s Young Hero and Guest was published. With the help of the DAR, more than 1,300 books were distributed!

Celebrating Lafayette’s life seemed like a “no brainer,” especially since the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States takes place next year.  No so. Too many governmental entities, business organizations and individuals were less than enthusiastic about our approaches to join in the Lafayette celebration.  Chester County’s history is important to this country. There is a dedicated, but not overly large, group in the county that realizes the importance of preserving our history.

While disappointing, the lack of historical spirit was not surprising. Our educational system has failed to teach the important lessons of history.

My small effort included 40 events in eight states where I gave a presentation on Lafayette during the 13 months. Not all of my appearances were part of the official American Friends of Lafayette (AFL) celebration, but I took part in AFL events in New York City, Claymont, DE; Chester, PA; the French Embassy in Washington, DC; Yorktown, VA; Annapolis, MD; Louisville, KY; Jeffersonville, IN;, Lancaster, PA; Schenectady, NY; Chadds Ford, PA; and West Chester, PA. I even was the MC of several of the celebrations.

The time has come for AFL officials to take a breath and enjoy a well-earned respite. The next challenge for the Lafayette enthusiasts is to continue educating America about the Frenchman. America 250^th educators will face the same challenge after July 4, 2026.

As for today, September 11, 2025, we all should remember Lafayette as on the day after spilling his blood for our freedom, he was on his way to becoming an American hero.

(Bruce E. Mowday was chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee. He authored more than 25 books, including three on Lafayette and the battle of Brandywine. They are September 11, 1777; Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero and Young Lafayette: America’s Young Hero and Guest. He is a member of the Chester County 250^th committee. For more information on Mowday, see www.mowday.com. To contact Mowday, write to mowday@mowday.com.)

August 18, 2025

Dinner & Lecture & Meet and Greet with Author Bruce E. Mowday

Does the paranormal exist in the General Warren and beyond?

A dinner and discussion takes place September 17, 2025,

based on author Bruce E. Mowday’s new book

Reception begins at 5:15 p.m. with dinner to follow at General Warren

           MALVERN _ Since 1745, the historic General Warren has been the Great Valley’s premier destination for fine dining, elegant accommodations and refreshing spirits. The inn’s spirits may not all come from a bottle……….!

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, author Bruce E. Mowday presents detailed accounts of unexplained incidents at the General Warren, 9 Old Lancaster Rd, Malvern. The General Warren stories are chronicled in Mowday’s new book, Gettysburg Mysteries and More: Unexplained Personal Paranormal Phenomena.

“This will be a fun evening. Audience participation will be encouraged,” Mowday said. “People should note the evening won’t contain ghost stories. I was asked to do a ghost book for Gettysburg consumption. I told them I don’t write fiction but I had some unexplained personal encounters that could be paranormal. Thus, my new book.”

The evening begins at 5:15 p.m. with a chance to talk with Mowday before a special dinner at 6:00 p.m. The cost is $56.00 and includes the lecture, dinner, coffee, tea and soft beverages. Alcohol beverages, taxes and gratuity are extra.

“Bruce’s presentations on his books at the General Warren are always entertaining and well attended,” said General Warren Proprietor Patrick J. Byrne. “I urge people to call as soon as possible for reservations.”  Reservations can be made by calling (610) 296-3637 or by going to the inn’s website, www.generalwarren.com.

Byrne was interviewed for the book. He recounted strange stories about the inn. “Finding rational explanations for the encounters are difficult,” Mowday commented. “I’ve had experiences at Gettysburg, other historical sites and one at a German concentration camp. I’ve never had a spirit touch me and I’ve never seen an apparition. There are three types of people at paranormal investigations. One group believes every movement is connected to a spirit. Another group believes everything can be rationally explained. The third group isn’t convinced either way. I’m in the third group.”

Mowday has written more than 25 books on history, true crime, business and sports. He’ll have signed copies of his books available for purchase. For more information, see www.mowday.com. His latest true crime book is A Killer at the Door about crab-walking murderer Danilo Cavalcante. Cavalcante escaped from Chester County Prison almost two years ago.

“I’ve given several presentations on my books at the General Warren. Each one has included wonderful food and excellent service. I always look forward to visiting the General Warren, even when I’m not presenting,” Mowday said. “Please join me.”

Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

August 1, 2025

A Powerful Moment Honoring

 American Hero Lafayette Held at Brandywine

By Bruce E. Mowday

            A powerful moment to mark our nation’s history took place on the field of Brandywine battlefield on Saturday.

As a social media posting by the American Friends of Lafayette reported, “Honoring the past at Brandywine! A powerful moment as Lafayette was awarded the Pennsylvania Distinguished Service Medal, with an official citation from Governor Josh Shapiro and Adjutant General Pippy recognizing his enduring legacy and service during the American Revolution.

Two hundred years to the day that Lafayette visited Chadds Ford and West Chester, the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee presented its Lafayette Day programs commemorating Lafayette, an American hero that greatly contributed to the freedoms we all now enjoy. The 70-person committee worked for almost four years to mold the “powerful moment.”

Lafayette contributed his youth, his fortune and his blood to make America free. On July 26, 2025, our community honored the Frenchman with a welcoming service at Thornbury Farm and at a Lafayette Ball at the Chester County History Center in West Chester.

Brigadier General Frank McGovern presented the medal to Marine Fraval-Vennel, Honorary French Consul to Philadelphia. The medal was then pinned on Lafayette, portrayed by Michael Halbert.  Chuck Schwam, Executive Director and Bicentennial Chair of the American Friends of Lafayette participated in the presentation and took possession of the medal.

The post by the American Friends of Lafayette reported, “The ceremony opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, grounding us in the values” of the American Revolution. At Brandywine on September 11, 1777, Lafayette was wounded while fighting the British, thus proving his dedication to freedom and independence.

A feature article in France Today by Martha Sessums reported, “Another key purpose of the Bicentennial is to remind us of the importance of the French/American friendship. Lafayette returned to France in February 1779 to convince the king of France, along with Benjamin Franklin, to increase French support for the American Revolution. France agreed to send ships, arms and 6,000 troops that ultimately made the key difference in American Independence success. This was shown in the decisive battle of Yorktown where troops under Lafayette’s command helped block the British army which finally surrendered, making way for the creation of the United States.

“People don’t realize that next to the United States, the allied with the most troops in harm’s way were French,” said Schwam. “We would have never won the Revolutionary War without France. It never, ever, never would have happened. There were more French military personnel in Yorktown than American. And this is something that we feel is important. We tell people that without France’s involvement we would have never gained our independence.”

The American Friends of Lafayette are marking the 13-month visit of Lafayette in 1824 and 1825 by holding hundreds of events in the then 24 states Lafayette visited as our “Nation’s Guest.” The celebration began in New York City in August 2024 and will conclude in September with a weekend celebration in Washington, D.C.

So many people contributed to our events on Saturday, including Randell Spackman of Thornbury Farm, committee member Lisa Doan-Harley, American Friend of Lafayette’s Patti Maclay, who is National Vice Chair of Lafayette Farewell Tour, Daughters of the American Revolution: National Chair Franco-American Committee and Vice Regent of Maryland DAR and Troy Grubb, site administrator of Brandywine Battlefield Park.

Conor Hepp and Jennifer Green of the Chester County History Center deserve special recognition for organizing a spectacular Lafayette Ball.

The committee received many compliments for Saturday’s programs. Marine Fraval-Vennel wrote, “It was a pleasure to support Saturday’s program, and I was impressed by the care and professionalism that went into every detail. The positive feedback from attendees speaks to the success of the day.” Several people wrote Saturday was a day they will never forget. Another wrote, “You all truly knocked it out of the park, the events were well planned, paced, and orchestrated!”

While Lafayette Day was an overwhelming success and a kickoff for our America 250^th celebration, additional work needs to done to continue the education of Americans about Lafayette and the founders of this nation.

(Bruce E. Mowday is the chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee and author of the books September 11, 1777: Washington’s Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia, Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero, and Lafayette: America’s Young Hero and Guest.)

 

 

 

 

 

July 22, 2025

Lafayette Ball takes place at Chester County History Center

 

Revolutionary War Hero Marquis De Lafayette

honored with Pennsylvania military medal

and grand celebration in Chadds Ford

Public invited to free morning event on Saturday, July 26, 2025

CHADDS FORD _    Two hundred years ago, American Hero Major General Marquis De Lafayette visited Chadds Ford and West Chester as part of Lafayette’s 13-month tour as America’s guest.

On Saturday, July 26, 2025, after three years of planning, Lafayette will be honored by the public at two events in connection with the American Friends of Lafayette national recreation of Lafayette’s grand tour. Hundreds of thousands of people have participated in Lafayette Bicentennial events across the nation since August 2024.

“Saturday is our turn to publically honor Lafayette in a grand style. All are welcome to attend the free event in Chadds Ford. I’m hoping many citizens, young and not-so-young, attend this historic event,” said Bruce E. Mowday, chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee. “Lafayette contributed his youth, his fortune and his blood to make America free.”

The Chadds Ford event takes place at Thornbury Farm, 1256 Thornbury Road, West Chester, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The official ceremony is slated for 11:00 a.m. Following the ceremony, a heritage walk will take place to the site where Lafayette was wounded on September 11, 1777, during the battle of Brandywine.

At 6:00 p.m., the Chester County History Center, 225 North High Street, is hosting a Lafayette Ball. The gala will include an appearance by Lafayette and Marine Fraval-Vennel, Honorary French Consul to Philadelphia. Fraval-Vennel is the main speaker at the Chadds Ford event. Tickets are required for the Ball. For information, go to https://mycchc.org/lafayettes-ball/.

“Saturday is an excellent opportunity for our community to celebrate Lafayette, to engage in our rich American history and to have a fun and memorable family outing,” Mowday said. “So many organizations and individuals have contributed to these two events. There will be history displays, music and events for children at Chadds Ford.

One of the highlights of the day will be the awarding of “The Pennsylvania Cross for Valor to Major General Marquis De Lafayette, Continental Army American Revolution for Act of Valor Above the Ordinary Gallantry.”

The medal was approved by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Major General John R. Pippy, Adjutant General of Pennsylvania. This will be the first military medal given to Lafayette from Pennsylvania.

The citation states, “Major General Marquis de Lafayette demonstrated exceptional bravery and valor engaging the British Army in support of the Continental Army on September 11, 1777. Major General Lafayette’s inspirational leadership and tireless devotion resulted in a successful retreat at Brandywine, positioning General Washington for future success in the war with the British. His dedication to preserving American freedom through military action in support of a partner nation set an example for all to follow. Major General Lafayette’s courage and gallantry reflect great credit upon himself, the Continental Army, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

In 1824 and 1825, Frenchman Lafayette, a Revolutionary War American hero, returned to the United States as the “Nation’s Guest.” For 13 months, Lafayette toured all 24 states and received grand welcomes from each city and hamlet he visited. The American Friends of Lafayette is recreating Lafayette’s stops in American during those 13 months. The celebration began in New York City in August 2024 and will conclude in Washington, D.C., in September. For more information, see www.lafayette200.org.

On July 26, 1825, Lafayette visited the Brandywine battlefield where he was wounded. Later in the day West Chester where he was given a grand dinner.

“Lafayette earned The Pennsylvania Cross for Valor on September 11, 1777, on a field near where the presentation will be made,” said Mowday. Lafayette was wounded in his left leg rallying American troops. The moment he spilled his blood in the cause of our freedom, he became an American hero.”

Committee member Pauline Cabouli deserves credit for pursuing the medal for Lafayette, according to Mowday. “Pauline worked tirelessly filling out forms and contacting state officials to make the presentation possible. Her dedication to the Lafayette cause is admirable.”