The Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge has come to stand for many things since its founding in 1903.

But on Sunday, May 7, it will serve as the beacon of freedom as it, once again, celebrates its annual commemoration of the 1778 Treaty of Alliance between the United States and France during the American Revolution.

As the single most important diplomatic success of the colonists during the War for Independence, the French Alliance will be recognized by the Chapel during a special religious service that begins at 2 PM.

VIP participants honored during the ceremony will include:

• Colonel Stanislas de Magnienville, representing the Embassy of France
• Michael Scullin, the Honorary Consul of France in Philadelphia
• Robert Donnelly, representing the Valley Forge National Historical Park and the Color Guard of the Philadelphia Continental Chapter Sons of the American Revolution

Representatives of other patriotic organizations and members of the French community in the Philadelphia area will also be in attendance. The public is invited, though space is limited.

The Treaty of Alliance between France and the United States was concluded in Paris on February 6, 1778 and ratified by Congress on May 4, 1778. Word of its signing reached the Valley Forge encampment on May 1.

Click here for more information about the Washington Memorial Chapel.

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