10/05/2026
On October 2, approximately 150 community members, including more than 70 fourth-grade students, gathered at Abingdon Elementary School to commemorate the 245th anniversary of the Battle of the Hook. The largest cavalry engagement of the American Revolution, the 1781 Battle of the Hook was an important Franco-American victory during the Siege of Yorktown, and the place where five French service members made the ultimate sacrifice for American independence.
The program brought history to life through music, student participation, remarks, living-history interpretation, and a commemorative wreath laying. Highlights included:
•Abingdon Elementary fourth-grade students performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” while members of the third-grade class recited poetry.
•Laura Heydt, soprano and music teacher at Ware Academy, performed "La Marseillaise" and “America the Beautiful.”
•Remarks were delivered by the Honorable Shannon Hanson of the Gloucester Board of Supervisors and Colonel Antoine Flueret, French National Liaison Representative to NATO Supreme Allied Command Transformation.
•Mark Schneider, Nation Builder and historian from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, presented an immersive educational program in the character of a trooper from Lauzun’s Legion.
•The Augustine Warner Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, led the wreath-laying ceremony.
•Fifer Sam Adams and drummer Ben Adams performed period music and “Taps” and “Sonnerie aux morts” in tribute.
•Gloucester Historic Resources Supervisor Robert Kelly served as the Master of Ceremonies.
Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to Exchange Club of Gloucester-Mathews and Gloucester Parks, Recreation & Tourism, for caring for, and preparing the ceremony site.
