Reed Introduces Legislation to Name Historic Trail in Honor of Revolutionary War Heroes
WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to recognize the historical significance of the region and the strong cooperation of French and American forces in the fight for America's independence, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) has cosponsored legislation to name a 650-mile path following the route taken by the armies of Generals George Washington and Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau between Newport, Rhode Island and Yorktown, Virginia in 1781 and 1782, as the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail.Along the pathway, French troops, under the command of General Rochambeau, marched from Newport to Yorktown to meet up with troops under the command of General Washington to defeat the British and win the American Revolutionary War.Reed stated, "This legislation recognizes the bravery of the French and American troops who fought together to win America's independence. This historic route is a symbol of the birth of our nation, and I am proud to work to have its place in history protected."Reed joined bill sponsors Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) and John Warner (R-VA) and others in introducing the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Distinction Act. The legislation will designate the trail under the National Trails System and will be administered through the U.S. Department of Interior.