Lafayette Escadrille Memorial

The Lafayette Escadrille Memorial is a commemorative site featuring a central monumental arch surrounded by landscaped grounds and pathways. The underground crypt beneath the structure houses sarcophagi and stained glass windows depicting World War I battle scenes.

The memorial was founded to honor 68 American volunteer pilots who served in French fighter squadrons before the United States entered the conflict in 1917. Later, French military commanders requested burial alongside their American comrades, reflecting the strong bonds formed during wartime service.

The site holds special meaning as a place where visitors come to remember the sacrifice of young men who crossed the Atlantic to fight alongside the French. The way people move through the grounds shows how the place serves as a space for reflection and connection across generations.

The site is located halfway between Paris and Versailles and is easily accessible by road. Visitors can explore the outdoor grounds and descend into the underground crypt, with the American Battle Monuments Commission managing access and maintenance.

The site preserves a rare testament to Franco-American partnership during World War I, as French officers chose to be buried alongside their American allies. These burials show a camaraderie across national lines that grew out of shared wartime experience.