Thursday, March 13, 2025 – Charleston, SC:

Lafayette with the Students of Charleston Schools –

9 – 10 am: Daniel Island School – an Elementary School;

10:30 – 11:30 am: Philip Simmons High School

John and Henry Laurens Graveside Event at Mepkin Abbey:

12 – 12:30pm – Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Color Guard and Salute Squad arrive at the site. SAR Grave Markers have been pre-installed and draped earlier along with SAR and DAR Wreaths. Safety checks completed.

12:30 pm – Guests start moving to the grave site location.

1 – 1:15 pm – Welcome to Mepkin Abbey and the SAR Sponsored Laurens Patriot Grave Marking.

Introductions by President of the SC SAR; Father Tedesco of Mepkin Abbey; AFL SC Chair Joe Volpi introducing AFL and SAR member Brooks Lyles and AFL COO Chuck Schwam; SAR PG Dr. Darryl Addington and any local VIPs or Gov’t Officials.

CHAPLAIN GIVES INVOCATION

Color Guard Marches in, Presents Arms for the Pledge of Allegiance, then posts the colors and moves to shaded areas for the speakers.

1:15 pm to 1:35 pm:  The AFL story of General Lafayette’s stop in our area on his 1825 tour, his relationship to our American Revolution, and his friendship with John Laurens.  Chuck Schwan – AFL.

The Master of Ceremonies  (Brooks Lyles?) introduces SAR President General Dr. Darryl Addington who will make comments about the significance of the day.  SAR Grave Marking Announced.  SAR PG, General Lafayette (Michael Halbert), and VIPs post Wreaths between Markers.  Official Party move to markers (one each for John and Henry) and remove drapes and pose for photographs.

THE SC SAR COLOR GUARD SALUTE SQUAD fires a 3 volley Musket Salute.

1:35 – 1:55 pm:  Father Joseph Tedesco, the Head of Mepkin Abbey will speak on:

a.) the relationship between John Laurens and the Marquis – two worlds apart who shared the same values and worldview;

b.) the fact that that worldview long ago was the beginning of the current Truth and Reconciliation Garden at the Abbey.

2 pm:  Chaplain presents the Benediction.  The SAR Color Guard is asked to Retire the Colors.

Father Tedesco will invite guests to return for the grand opening event at the Meditation Garden and join us on the greenward for tea, lemonade, and cookies under a tent with appropriate music,

Friday, March 14, 2025 – Charleston:

10 am: Washington Park, near Charleston’s Four Corners area across Broad Street from St. Michaels Church – Mayor Cogswell of Charleston will greet Lafayette with a Lafayette Day Proclamation;

5:30 pm: South Carolina Historical Society hosting a Lafayette Piano Concert with refreshments in their Fireproof Building HQ.  Invitation only.  The SCHS has brought down the piano that Lafayette was actually entertained on in 1825 for this event!

7:30pm:  DAR Colonial Ball and Dance in Honor of Lafayette at the Francis Marion Hotel on King Street  across from Marion Square.  Invitation only.

Saturday, March 15, 2025 – Charleston:

Event in planning stages at the Huger Home where Lafayette was entertained during his 1825 visit to Charleston – 54 Meeting Street.