COMUSAFE pays tribute to service members at Lafayette Escadrille

  • Published
  • By Maj. Beverly Mock
  • U.S. Air Forces Europe Public Affairs
PARIS --  The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander thanked the French men and women for everything they have done for the young Americans who fought and died in their country defending the cause of freedom during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial outside of Paris, May 28, 2011.

Gen. Mark A Welsh III, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, talked about the importance of remembering the special attendees, the 51 American fighter pilots of the Escadrille La Fayette and the Lafayette Flying Corps who died during service to the Allies and who now call the memorial their home.

He said this event is a chance for the U.S. Air Force to remember their courage and to honor their sacrifice.

"On Memorial Day, Americans gather at events like this one, around the world, to gratefully remember the courage and sacrifice of more than one million Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen who have died defending the cause of freedom," Gen. Welsh said.

"We remember also that they did not die alone, that they fought beside those who spoke different languages, but believed in that same cause.

"And we celebrate them all equally--their courage, their commitment, their sacrifice. And we join their families and their grateful nations, in honoring their memory."

The ceremony opened with a welcome to the event by Mr. Van Kirk Reeves, President of the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Foundation, followed by a four-ship flyover of Mirage 2000N jets from the 2/4 LaFayette Fighter Squadron from Luxeuil Air Base, France; and a four-ship flyover of A-10 Thunderbolts from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

Also in attendance were: Charles Rivkin, U.S. Ambassador to France; Ms. Christiane Barody-Weiss, Mayor of Marnes-la-Coquette; and Lt. Gen. Paul Fouilland, Commander in Chief, French Strategic Air Force; among other officials and more than 100 guests gathered at the memorial to pay tribute to those American pilots who died in service to the Allies during WWI.

Following the speeches, Gen. Welsh and the other dignitaries placed wreaths on the memorial circling the mosaic of the Lafayette Escadrille squadron insignia.
The USAFE Honor Guard fired three volleys, and a bugler from the USAFE band sounded taps. Ceremonial music throughout the ceremony was performed by the USAFE and French air force bands.
After the ceremony, attendees were encouraged to visit the underground crypt beneath the monument to see the sarcophagi honoring the Lafayette Escadrille Airmen, as well as see the 13 stained glass windows depicting various battles.