For more than a century, the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution in France, the Society of the Cincinnati of France, and the American Friends of Lafayette have jointly conducted an annual flag-changing ceremony at Lafayette's tomb.
This solemn tribute honors General Lafayette and his wife, Adrienne de Lafayette, and ensures the continuous presence of the American flag flying above their final resting place.
Traditionally held on or near July 4th, this ceremony will take place on a different date in 2026 due to the demanding schedule of the Ambassador of the United States during the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. As the Ambassador will preside over the ceremony, it has been scheduled to coincide with the anniversary of General Lafayette’s death.
Accordingly, this tribute—held with the participation of military detachments and distinguished French and American civil and military authorities—will take place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 1100am. sharp, at Picpus Cemetery [35 rue de Picpus, Paris (12ᵉ)].
If you would like to attend, please RSVP to sarfrance.sons@gmail.com. If you wish to come with friends, it is requested that they also RSVP to sarfrance.sons@gmail.com.
We ask everyone to be on site by 10:30am at the latest.
Vive Lafayette (both Gilbert and Adrienne)!!!!
• zoom link here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89860387103
Similar to last year's registration cost, this year's registration is $489 per person and includes six meals, six event tickets, all transportation during the meeting...all while being educated in a fun and entertaining way. The AFL way !!!
Please register here. If you log into your account with your username(email) and password, the contact information will populate automatically.
Please book your flights and hotel rooms. Links below:
To learn more about the AFL annual meeting, please click: HERE
To see the schedule of the AFL annual meeting, please click: HERE
Are you thinking about coming a day early? We've got you covered. You can check it out by clicking: HERE
The hotel rate will also be similar to last year's annual meeting in Buffalo, NY. Our hotel is the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel (4-5 Star hotel) in the heart of the French Quarter. The hotel rate is under $200 per night (+ taxes & fees). You can reserve your rooms three different ways....
It is with GREAT pleasure to inform you that Dr. Iris de Rode will be our keynote speaker at our annual meeting in New Orleans. She will be spending several days with us, sharing her knowledge regarding the Franco-American Alliance. This is a real coup for the AFL and we are honored to have Dr. Iris de Rode with us in New Orleans.
Thursday, June 16th at 7:30pm EST
AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL HALBERT.
In September of 2025 we had two events where all three Lafayette interpreters attended: Ben Goldman, Michael Halbert and Mark Schneider. They gave insights regarding their work as interpreters and discussed the incredible job they did during the Bicentennial of Lafayette's Grand Tour. Now you can hear what they have to say as well as join in the discussion.
Please find the Zoom link here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84584744814
Yorktown Day Association and military Appreciation Dinner and Garden Reception ticket sales are being processed in partnership with AFL. But this year's honored hosting organization is NPS or Colonial. They are a partner of YDA
Yorktown Victory Celebration 2026 registration and ticket purchase form:
Please indicate which event you will be attending:
Dinner, Sunday, October 18, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown - $80.00 per person (Cash bar)
Passed French-style Hors d’oeuvres, Orapax Garden Salad, Chicken Saltimbocca (Vegan option: Butternut Squash Ravioli), Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts & Butternut Squash Medley, Rolls with Butter, Limoncello Mascarpone or Chocolate Cake. Please not special food needs when you register.
Reception, Monday, October 19, 2026, 11:30–1:15 p.m. (hours pending)
The DAR Custom House Garden, Yorktown - $30.00 per person
Roasted Turkey Club OR Homemade Chicken Salad OR Mediterranean Veggie (Veg.) Potato Chips, Pickle, Cookie, Bottled Water or Iced Tea. Please alert us to any special food needs when you register.
The reservation fees are non-refundable. A list of paid guests will assure your admission at the door. You will receive a payment receipt email.
Please register online here by September 17, 2026. If paying by check, the check must be received by YDA by September 17, 2026.
Reservations are taken on a first-come basis.
Copyright The American Friends of Lafayette 2024"The American Friends of Lafayette" is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Mail correspondence to: PO Box 84114 Gaithersburg, MD 20883Email: americanfriendsoflafayette@gmail.com
