Honoring Lafayette and Commemorating Armistice Day

Nov. 11 is a somber day in Paris and in many places around the world. Daughters, spouses, and guests gathered today to commemorate Armistice Day by wearing the traditional poppy and honoring a man who knew only the cause of liberty during his long life—Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette.

The President General received an invitation to join President Emmanuel Macron and other French government dignitaries at the Arc de Triomphe for the official government commemoration ceremonies. It was truly an honor for the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution to be represented as we joined with our allies in France to honor the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and the armistice at the end of the Great War. The Arc de Triomphe is home to France’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. On Nov. 11, 1923, a flame was lit at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in remembrance, and it has burned for the past 101 years. It is rekindled every evening at 6:30 p.m. by La Flamme sous l’Arc de Triomphe, Flamme de la Nation, a union of veterans’ associations across France.

Following lunch, we headed to Picpus Cemetery, the site of the final resting place of the Marquis de Lafayette. After Librarian General Cynthia Cleveland McNamara spoke of Lafayette’s early years and the brave decision he made to aid a fledgling nation at its greatest time of need, President General Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright placed a floral spray of red, white, and blue flowers at Lafayette’s grave, paying homage to the departed patriot known as “the hero of two worlds.” Kathryn Walker West, National Chair of the America 250! Committee, presided over a Patriot marker dedication. This marker reads:

An America 250! commemorative bowl was gifted to Leonard Faugeron, Picpus Cemetery curator and grandson of the former curator, in appreciation for his family’s long history of service at Picpus and his assistance in today’s event. Mr. Faugeron shared his appreciation of the work of the National Society in supporting the cemetery.

Special thanks is extended to the Marquis de Nicolay, President of the Comité de Famille, who graciously authorized the plaque and made the cemetery available to us on a public holiday. We also extend our appreciation to the Rochambeau Chapter and Chapter Regent Catherine Armand for their hard work in making this event possible.