The American Friends of Lafayette recently completed bicentennial commemorations of Lafayette’s 1824-1825 Farewell Tour. Lafayette was the last living major general from the American Revolution, and the country was about to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Over 13 months, Lafayette visited all 24 states and Washington, D.C. He saw many of his old friends and leading political figures including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson. There were grand arrivals, parades, balls, and banquets (with many toasts). Some cities even erected triumphal arches—Lafayette was the most popular man in America at that time, and his arrival in each town drew citizens from miles around.

In 2024-2025, the AFL held over 350 events that recreated this pomp and pageantry, using professional Lafayette historic interpreters. These events often included Lafayette arriving by horse-drawn carriage, usually accompanied by local dignitaries, as he would have been 200 years ago.

Michael Halbert was one of four professional Lafayette interpreters that the AFL used for its Bicentennial events. Michael brought an authentic Lafayette to every event, and his depth of knowledge was impressive. He brought each audience back in time, and people often commented that they felt as though they had met Lafayette himself. He exuded joy in being able to perform this role, as evidenced by his smile in event photos that appeared in the AFL Gazette and in the AFL’s social media. He will be sorely missed.