Celebrating the Franco-American Alliance

Kate Johanns, National Chair, Public Relations and Media Committee

November 14, 2024

Another très magnifique day in Paris! It was an honor to place a wreath at the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery, an enduring symbol of the Franco-American Alliance. When the Great War began, Americans immediately volunteered to serve with the French, and this towering memorial is a testament to our continued allyship. After an afternoon touring the grandeur of Versailles, it was a pleasure to be received at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence. Our sincere appreciation to Ambassador Denise Campbell Bauer and her staff for welcoming our Daughters to Paris.

- Pamela Wright, President General

The relationship between France and America goes back to our Revolutionary roots but was reaffirmed by our joint service in the First World War. When the war broke out, Americans sympathetic to the Allied cause lobbied the French government to create a squadron of American pilots. On April 20, 1916, the first unit of American flyers took to the skies, and American combat aviation was born. After the Armistice, the Lafayette Flying Corps veterans worked to build a stunning memorial dedicated to those who flew in the war and to honor those lives lost.

The National Society was honored to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery. In the center of the cemetery is an ornate arch, with both French and English inscriptions, under which lies a crypt with 68 sarcophagi, one for each of the aviators of the Lafayette Flying Corps killed in action. Our Daughters were honored to have the opportunity to pay our respects to those brave pilots.

Our afternoon was spent touring the extravagant halls and apartments of the Palace of Versailles. This ornate palace is best known as the royal residence of Louis XIV, also known as the “Sun King.” Versailles served as the de facto capital of France from 1682 until Louis XVI (husband of Marie Antoinette) moved his court back to Paris in 1789 during the French Revolution. Today, Versailles is treasured as one of the most culturally significant historical sites in France, and the palace and its gardens are visited by more than 15 million people each year. Our Daughters were delighted to be among those visitors and learn more about our host country’s history. During a special visit to the King’s Private Apartments, we saw many fabulous pieces, including the Bureau de Roi, a rolltop desk made for King Louis XV and delivered to the palace in 1769.

Finally, the National Society was honored to accept an invitation to attend a reception hosted by the United States Ambassador to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco, Madam Ambassador Denise Campbell Bauer. It was a special experience to visit the Ambassador’s Residence, which has been in use by the U.S. government since 1972. Ambassador Bauer’s hospitality and generosity was warm and welcoming. President General Pamela Rouse Wright presented an America 250! commemorative bowl to Ambassador Bauer, who shared remarks on the enduring friendship and partnership between France and the United States.

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