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)!!!!