MacArthur Memorial Celebrates Lafayette Bicentennial with Free Film Screening

NORFOLK, Va. - On Oct. 17 at 7 p.m., the MacArthur Memorial will host a free public screening of the film Lafayette, the Lost Hero in partnership with the Norfolk Chapter of the American Friends of Lafayette. The film explores the life of the American Revolutionary War hero, the Marquis De Lafayette, an intriguing and controversial figure who left France at the age of 19, fought courageously for the independence of the United States, and was a staunch abolitionist.

The screening is part of Norfolk's celebration of the bicentennial of Lafayette's visit to the city in October 1824 during which time the United States was in the throes of a contentious presidential election. President James Monroe believed a visit by the nation's last living general from the Revolutionary War would help unify the country on the 50^th anniversary of the nation. Norfolk was one of the tour destinations, and the city enthusiastically welcomed Lafayette on Oct. 22, 1824. As the Norfolk writer and historian George Holbert Tucker wrote, it was a "never-to-be-forgotten" visit.

For more information about the screening, visit: www.macarthurmemorial.org.

About The MacArthur Memorial: The MacArthur Memorial was founded in 1964 as a museum and library dedicated to the life and times of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. Today the MacArthur Memorial is an internationally recognized center for the study of military history, leadership, and diplomacy. The City of Norfolk operates the Memorial in close partnership with the nonprofit General Douglas MacArthur Foundation. The museum serves 100,000+ people annually and is open free of charge. For more information, please visit www.macarthurmemorial.org.

About the American Friends of Lafayette: The American Friends of Lafayette (ALF) is an historical and patriotic society dedicated to the memory of Major General Gilbert Motier, Marquis de Lafayette and to the study of his life and times in America and France. Throughout 2024-2025, the AFL will host educational programming across the United States and in France to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette's return to America as the "Guest of the Nation." The goal is to educate the public about the roles played by both Lafayette and France in our war for independence. For more information, please visit https://lafayette200.org/.