Once every 25 years, the village of Yorktown pulls out all of the stops to celebrate Yorktown Day. This year was the 225th Anniversary of the Surrender of Yorktown and no expense or effort was spared to commemorate the event.

Because the event was celebrated throughout a four day weekend, the weather took the opportunity to fluctuate wildly... and no two days were the same. The performances for October 19th were marked by a heavy fog in the morning that wouldn't burn off until early afternoon... It was in this fog that the Corps began their first performances of the day.

This year the Fifes and Drums of York Town had the privilege to host our friends from the north: The Deep River Junior Ancients and the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps. Along with many other groups, including the Corps of Cadets from the Virginia Military Institute, the Corps marched the long parade route from Five-Corners to the York River.

The Lady's of the Corps Party is a tradition on Yorktown Day. This event is one of the Corps premier fundraising activities and this year's event was directed by Mrs. Evelyn Akers with the support of many, many of the Corps' mothers. A special thanks goes out to the Glen Helseth and the Carrot Tree Restaurant who provided direct support for the event...

Thanks again, Glen --- we couldn't do it without you!

As part of the last event of the day the Corps performed as the opening act for an American Symphony: A Salute to the Military. The quality of the performance was amplified by the spectacular sound stage that was erected for the event.

At the close of the evening, fireworks marked the completion of the 225th Yorktown Day.

A special event for the 225th, the Yorktown Rotary Club sponsored a Children's Parade on the waterfront. A myriad of youth groups participated in the parade as it spanned the length of Water Street in Yorktown.

On Saturday afternoon the Fifes and Drums of York Town and the Deep River Junior Ancients joined forces to deliver a performance at the Yorktown Victory Monument. Of the hundreds of National Park Service performances that I have participated in during the past seven years, this was easily the best. The energy of the crowd and the enthusiasm of our performers combined to create a musical spectacle that will not soon be forgotten.

Later Saturday afternoon the Corps traveled to the site of the French Memorial to participate in the dedication of the new signage. Our good friends, the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution, provided direct funding to make the signs possible and the event was attended by State Regent Patricia Mayer, National Park Service Superintendent Dan Smith and many, many individuals from around the world.

The Sunday morning festivities began with a church service at the Yorktown Monument to the Alliance and Victory sponsored by Grace Episcopal Church.

The Big Event for the four day weekend was the Surrender of Yorktown.

The event was conducted at Surrender Field and was attended by nearly 3000 reenactors and thousands of tourists. Despite the steady rain, the surrender was a magnificent event that no one who participated will ever forget.

Through out the weekend, the 225th Anniversary of Yorktown Day was action-packed and fun filled. The Corps thanks our good friends from Connecticut and Williamsburg for joining us for the event.

I'd also like to offer a special thank you to:

Beth Boyle and Jennifer Carver: For organizing food and drinks for all of our members and guests on Thursday and Saturday.

Chief Drum Instructor Jim Camillucci: For serving as the official liason to the Deep River Junior Ancients... He made sure that everyone was in the right place at the right time for every event.

Corporal Trace Haskin: For working tirelessly to get our new shutters and a fantastic new sign installed on the Corps headquarters before Yorktown Day... His grandparents should be VERY proud.

Mrs. Patricia Mayer and the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution: For contributing the funds for our shutters.

Mrs. Evelyn Akers, Mrs. Terry Gordon, Mrs. Jennfier Carver, Mrs. Jennelle Barrack, Mrs. Karen Gillingham, Mrs. Beth Boyle, Mrs. Jeanne Coates, Mr. Glen Helseth and many others: For flawlessly conducting the Corps' fundraising party.

Mrs. Marilyn Malcarne and The Deep River Junior Ancients: For making the long journey from Connecticut to help us celebrate this monumental occassion.

And all of our Corps members, Instructors and Officers: For keeping your chin-up during a very challenging four day weekend.

All of you have brought tremendous credit on your community and you should take great pride in representing Yorktown during the 225th Anniversary of America's Victory.