Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Major General John R. Pippy, adjutant general of Pennsylvania, have authorized 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 presentation will be made during the opening ceremony of American Friends of Lafayette’s Bicentennial Celebration on Saturday, July 26 at Thornbury Farm at 1256 Thornbury Road in West Chester. 

The 11 a.m. ceremony is being organized by the Lafayette Bicentennial Lafayette Committee to mark the 200th anniversary of Lafayette, an American hero in the American Revolution, return to Chadds Ford and West Chester.

“Lafayette earned The Pennsylvania Cross for Valor on September 11, 1777, on a field near where the presentation will be made,” said Bruce E. Mowday, chairman of the local committee. 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.”

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. On July 26, 1825, Lafayette visited the Brandywine battlefield where he was wounded. 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, the celebration begins at 10 a.m. at Thornbury Farm, which was part of the Brandywine battlefield. The program, including an appearance by Lafayette, will take place at 11 a.m., followed by a heritage walk to the location where Lafayette was wounded on September 11, 1777. The keynote speaker is Marine Fraval-Vennel, Honorary French Consul to Philadelphia.

The day concludes with a grand Lafayette Ball at the Chester County History Center. For tickets and information, go to https://mycchc.org/lafayettes-ball.

The Chadds Ford event is free and will include history displays and family fun.