USAFE-AFAFRICA Memorial Day events in France

MARNES-LA-COQUETTE, France -- Lt. Gen. Tom Jones, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa vice commander, delivers remarks at the Escadrille Lafayette Memorial Service May 24, 2014, just outside Paris. The memorial service commemorates fallen U.S. volunteer pilots of Escadrille Lafayette, or the Lafayette Squadron, who flew combat missions with the French military in WWI before and after the United States officially joined the war. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Reba Good)

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USAFE-AFAFRICA Memorial Day events in France

MARNES-LA-COQUETTE, France – Members of the United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Honor Guard present the colors at the Escadrille Lafayette Memorial Service May 24, 2014, just outside Paris. Two hundred French and U.S. civilians and military members gathered together to honor the fallen volunteer pilots of Escadrille Lafayette, or the Lafayette Squadron, who flew combat missions with the French military in WWI before and after the United States officially joined the war. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Reba Good)

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USAFE-AFAFRICA Memorial Day events in France

MARNES-LA-COQUETTE, France – The United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Band plays ceremonial music during the Escadrille Lafayette Memorial Service May 24, 2014, just outside Paris. The Escadrille Lafayette Memorial was built in 1928 to honor the fallen U.S. volunteer pilots who flew combat missions with the French military in WWI before the United States had officially joined the war. Inscriptions across the memorial list each battle in which the pilots fought, including Arras, Verdun, and Noyon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Reba Good)

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USAFE-AFAFRICA Memorial Day events in France

MARNES-LA-COQUETTE, France – Two hundred French and U.S. citizens gathered at the Escadrille Lafayette Memorial just outside Paris for a ceremony May 24, 2014. The Escadrille Lafayette Memorial was erected in 1928 to honor the fallen U.S. volunteer pilots who flew combat missions with the French military in WWI before the United States had officially joined the war. The French inscription above the arch reads, “To the memory of the heroes of the Lafayette Squadron, who died in defense of rights and liberty.” (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Reba Good)

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USAFE-AFAFRICA Memorial Day events in France

MARNES-LA-COQUETTE, France -- Two hundred French and U.S. citizens gather at the Escadrille Lafayette Memorial just outside Paris for a memorial service, May 24, 2014, honoring the fallen American volunteer pilots who flew combat missions with the French military in WWI. These volunteers created the Escadrille Lafayette, or the Lafayette Squadron, and fought alongside France before and after the United States officially joined the war. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Reba Good)

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USAFE-AFAFRICA Memorial Day events in France

MARNES-LA-COQUETTE, France -- French and U.S. civilians and military members participated in a wreath-laying ceremony during the Escadrille Lafayette Memorial service May 24, 2014. The ceremony too place just outside Paris to commemorate the fallen U.S. volunteer pilots of the Escadrille Lafayette, or the Lafayette Squadron. These Airmen flew combat missions with the French military in WWI before and after the United States officially joined the war. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Reba Good)

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WWI Airmen remembered at French Memorial Day event

Published May 25, 2014
By Capt Reba Good
USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

MARNES-LA-COQUETTE, France -- -- Two hundred French and U.S. citizens gathered at the Escadrille Lafayette Memorial just outside of Paris, May 24, for a ceremony honoring fallen American volunteer pilots who flew with the French military in WWI.

These volunteer Airmen created the Escadrille Lafayette, or the Lafayette Squadron, and fought along side France before and after the United States officially joined the war in April, 1917.

Lt. Gen. Tom Jones, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa vice commander, and members of the USAFE-AFAFRICA honor guard and band participated in the ceremony.

USAFE-AFAFRICA Memorial Day events in France

USAFE-AFAFRICA Memorial Day events in France

USAFE-AFAFRICA Memorial Day events in France

USAFE-AFAFRICA Memorial Day events in France

USAFE-AFAFRICA Memorial Day events in France

USAFE-AFAFRICA Memorial Day events in France