Submitted Photo Members of the Sons of the American Revolution were in Cherry Creek for the annual parade.

CASSADAGA — Recently, Steve Boothe, president of the Chautauqua County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, gave a talk about the second phase of General Gilbert du Motier Lafayette’s life — “Lafayette, The Rest of the Story.”

In 1782, following his military service with the Continental Army, Lafayette returned to his native France after British General Cornwallis surrendered following the Battle at Yorktown, Virginia, October 1781. He then returned to America in 1784, touring the states. Some states granted Lafayette citizenship. General George Washington had had a father-son relationship with Lafayette.

Back in France, he promoted liberty. France was bankrupt because of wars and conflicts, and was about to endure the French Revolution. During these volatile times, Lafayette retained his friendship with the king of France. He wrote the French Declaration of Rights, with the help of Thomas Jefferson.

The storming of the Bastille occurred on July 14, 1789. Lafayette tended to be caught in the middle of France’s revolutionary events, and a warrant was eventually filed for his arrest. He fled to Belgium, then Austria, but was captured and turned over to the Prussians. His wife, too, was imprisoned, while his son made it safely to the U.S. John Church, a British Member of Parliament who had served in the Continental Army, attempted to assist Lafayette, trying to free him with hired agents. His wife and daughters were freed for the last two years of his imprisonment.

Finally, Napoleon Bonaparte secured his release, yet Lafayette would not swear allegiance to the French directorate, resulting in the liquidation of much of his assets, making him a pauper. Later, some of his property was restored. His wife, Adrienne, never fully recovered from imprisonment, and died Christmas Eve, 1807. After his release from prison, Lafayette did, now and then, serve France; he also supported the Greek revolution.

In 1824, Lafayette again visited the United States for some 16 months, visiting 24 states. He was enthusiastically greeted and honored by many people. His tour included visiting Fredonia, and a plaque celebrating his visit may still be seen on the southwest corner of the Russo Building. From Fredonia, he traveled north to Buffalo. Later, he laid the cornerstone for the Bunker Hill monument at Charlestown, Massachusetts.

He died May 20, 1834, from pneumonia, with burial in France. To this day, Boothe noted that Lafayette is more fully remembered and honored by Americans than by citizens of his own country.

In other business, it was noted that Jim Eagan, of the Rochester SAR chapter, was elected state president.

The SAR Color Guard Unit was awarded first prize for its participation in the Cherry Creek parade, and also awarded a prize for the Mayville parade. The unit had also marched in the Gerry and Panama parades. Upcoming parades include Ellington, Cassadaga and Sinclairville.

On June 10, members Doug Arters and Jeff Crossley participated in the Flag Day picnic and ceremony at Cadiz Cemetery, Cadiz, Cattaraugus County. They shared information about the longest known surviving Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Bakeman, and also narrated information about the SAR flag, the Gadsden flag and the Bunker Hill flag. The Rushford Band provided music. Following this event, Arters and Crossley and their wives toured the Franklinville Victorian house, which is owned by the Ischua Historical Society.

For July, Boothe anticipated awarding a JROTC cadet an SAR award at Dunkirk. The chapter will officially induct several new members in the future.

The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 5, Saturday, noon, at the Cassadaga Country Club, Frisbee Road, with a planned program.