CSAF honors World War I aviators

Air Force Link ^

[SandRat]

5/27/2008 - PARIS (AFPN) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, along with several hundred American and French citizens, paid homage to a special group of World War I aviators May 24 at the Lafayette Escadrille memorial ceremony that took place outside of Paris.

The Airmen of the Lafayette Escadrille were the United States' first combat aviators. It was an American squadron of volunteers who flew under the French flag during World War I. Many of them gave their lives in defense of French democracy.

General Moseley said it is important that the aviation heroes be honored for their deeds and ultimate sacrifice.

"Remembering our fallen Airmen is a matter of establishing a plateau of a history and a culture of a service, no different than a Navy, an Army or a Marine Corps," General Moseley said. "To be able to establish that heritage piece and to understand where we are and how we got here and what that means is vitally important."

General Moseley said the Lafayette Escadrille was just one example of generations of airpower heroes.

"When the new Airmen graduate down at Lackland (Air Force Base, Texas) and walk across that parade deck, they enter a long line of people who have been doing this for a very long time," General Moseley said.

[SandRat]

A formation of F-16 Fighting Falcons and French Mirages (not seen) punctuate a regal and colorful Lafayette Escadrille memorial ceremony outside of Paris May 24. During the ceremony, French and American citizens paid homage to some of the United States' first combat aviators. The all-American squadron of volunteers flew under the French flag during World War I, and many gave their lives in defense of French democracy. The F-16s are from the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Scott Wagers)

[JRios1968]

"A formation of F-16 Fighting Falcons and French Mirages (not seen) punctuate a regal and colorful Lafayette Escadrille memorial ceremony outside of Paris May 24. During the ceremony, French and American citizens paid homage to some of the United States' first combat aviators. The all-American squadron of volunteers flew under the French flag during World War I, and many gave their lives in defense of French democracy. The F-16s are from the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Scott Wagers)"

A few minutes after the fly-by, France announced their unconditional surrender.