The Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery, an American Battle Monuments Commission historic site dedicated to honoring American aviators who fought with the French during World War I, invites visitors to explore its rich history throughout summer. 

Explore the legacy of American combat Aviation 

From June through September 2025, the site team offers one-hour guided tours on Sundays, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with no prior reservation required. ABMC staff lead these tours, providing a deeper understanding of the memorial’s significance, the history of the Lafayette Escadrille, and the vital role these American aviators played during the Great War. The visitor center remains open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CET every day. 

“We are honored to share the history of the Lafayette Escadrille and the sacrifices these early American aviators made in the pursuit of freedom,” said the site superintendent Carly Mathieu. “This memorial stands as a tribute not only to these brave men but to the lasting bond between the United States and France during a pivotal moment in history.” 

A symbol of Franco-American comradeship 

Located in Marnes-la-Coquette, France, the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery serves as a testament to the Franco-American comradeship during World War I. The cemetery is the final resting place for some of America’s first combat aviators, many of whom volunteered to fly with French squadrons before the U.S. entered the war. 

The memorial crypt contains 68 sarcophagi, one for each aviator of the Lafayette Flying Corps who lost their lives during the war. Forty-nine of these aviators, along with two of their French commanding officers, are entombed in the crypt. The remainder of the aviators either rest in other locations or their remains were never recovered.