On September 11, 1777, a young unknown Frenchman, Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, Marquis de La Fayette, bravely fought with George Washington troops at the battle of Brandywine. At the age of 19, Lafayette defied his King and left his young family to come to American to help fight for freedom and independence. Brandywine was his first fight for America and he suffered a wound in his leg. Lafayette recovered and became an ardent supporter of Washington. He named his son George Washington Lafayette. He helped engage France’s support for America and fought for America throughout the war and was instrumental in the British surrender at Yorktown. President Monroe invited Lafayette to be America’s Guest in 1824 and 1825 to honor him for his contributions to America’s freedom. Lafayette visited Chester County in July 1825. Local author Bruce E. Mowday will discuss his book “Lafayette at the Brandywine; the making of an American hero” and answer any questions.

Local author Bruce E. Mowday, an award-winning author and newspaper reporter, has authored more than 20 books on history, sports, business and true crime. He has appeared on numerous television and radio shows, including Counter Culture, a PBS Emmy-winning show, the Discovery ID channel, ReelZ network, C-SPAN, the Pennsylvania Cable Network, Hollywood and Beyond, Our American Heritage, Whatcha Got, Journey into the Civil War, Chronicles of the American Civil War as well as local television and radio stations.

Bruce was a guest on the Massachusetts Historical Society’s Revolution 250 and featured in the Authors of the American Revolution Congress hosted by Nathan’s Papers. Bruce is a frequent speaker at various civic and historical groups. The Congress of Civil War Round Tables has named Bruce a “5-Star” speaker.  He has hosted his own radio shows, edited magazines, and was chairman of the Chester County Historical Society and president of the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates. He is a former board member of the Valley Forge Park Alliance and the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau. For more information on Mowday, his books and his schedule of events, see www.mowday.com.

A member of the American Friends of Lafayette, Bruce is the Chester County Coordinator for the Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration in 2024 and 2025. He is also a member of the county’s 250^th committee planning for a celebration of our nation’s founding.

Registration is required. Registration will close 2 hours prior to the scheduled start time of the event.